Migraine headaches and serotonin. A review of recent literature

Croft ADigest of Chiropractic Economics 1986 Aug; 29(1): 10-12,120

The role of serotonin in migraine headaches is most likely involved with the blood platelet. Some studies have shown that there may be a protein element in the body which acts as a 5-HT (serotonin) releasing factor. At this point the platelets presumably release their content of 5-HT into the blood and begin to aggregate. It is believed by most to be this initial discharge of serotonin which is responsible for the prodromal vasoconstrictive phase of migraine. As soon as the plasma serotonin level rises, it appears that MAO (monoamine oxidase) activity is enhanced so that serotonin is rapidly degraded into its breakdown product 5-H1AA (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid) and excreted into the urine. This low serotonin level is thought to result in the relaxed smooth muscle tone which produces the characteristic cranial vasodilation and headache phase. Most investigators agree up to this point, but not all. From here the reader embarks on a fascinating journey down a scientific path with many forks. In this paper are ideas primarily centered on serotonin’s role – there are many other theories of migraine headache.

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