Posted by Bob P (129.65.106.114) on September 16, 2000 at 23:56:31:
In Reply to: vasoconstrictors posted by Chana on September 16, 2000 at 15:09:33:
The vasoconstrictors we take are mostly 5HT agonist. An agonist acts the same as serotonin. It attaches to the same neural receptors as 5HT does. Here's where I get a little lost. I don't know if it attches to the sites and causes the same reaction, vasoconstriction, that 5HT does or if it fill the receptor sites so 5HT can't. I think it acts the same as 5HT which means 5HT causes vasoconstriction. This tells me we get the headaches because of low 5HT.
5HT is not made, BUT, 5HTP is sold over the counter. It is the precursor to 5HT and is metabolized to 5HT. There is a web site, 5HTPdirect.com that selld it cheap.
I take it daily. It aids in sound sleep and is a mild tranquilizer. One other lady took the stuff a while back and skipped her regular cycle.
It's not a FEEL GOOD hormone like VD thinks. But I'll just let her keep on thinking that. No sense trying to educate people like her. It aids in digestion. It is found in the body in the nerons, blood cells and gastrointestinal walls.
5HT levels are the reason we get the headaches but the real question is what causes the 5HT levels to go whacko? The hypothalamus regulates 5HT levels. It has sensors which monitor blood pressure levels and send signals back to the hypo. It in turn increases or decreases 5HT levels to regulat pressure. My guess is Goadsby is right in looking toward the hypo.
lyg
Bob P