The influence of migraine and female hormones on capsaicin-induced dermal blood flow

• Published in: Cephalalgia 2017-10, Vol.37 (12), p.1164-1172
• Main Authors: Ibrahimi, Khatera, Vermeersch, Steve, Frederiks, Pascal, Geldhof, Vincent, Draulans, Cedric, Buntinx, Linde, Lesaffre, Emmanuel, MaassenVanDenBrink, Antoinette, de Hoon, Jan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide - metabolism; Capsaicin - pharmacology; Female; Humans; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; Male; Menstrual Cycle; Migraine Disorders - metabolism; Migraine Disorders - physiopathology; Sensory System Agents - pharmacology; Skin - blood supply; Skin - drug effects; Skin - metabolism; Vasodilation - drug effects; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0333-1024; 1468-2982
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102416668659

Background Migraine is much more common in females than in males, and occurrence is associated with changes in female sex hormones. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a key role in migraine, and variations in female sex hormones may affect CGRP sensitivity and/or production. Objectives Investigate repeatability, gender differences, influence of the menstrual cycle and of migraine on CGRP-dependent changes in dermal blood flow (DBF). Methods CGRP-dependent increases in DBF were assessed using laser Doppler perfusion imaging after topical application of 300 or 1000 µg capsaicin on the forearm of healthy subjects and migraine patients. Results In healthy males, DBF response did not vary over time and was comparable with DBF in male migraineurs. In healthy females, capsaicin-induced DBF responses to both doses of capsaicin were higher during menstruation compared to the late-secretory phase (p