Plasma Cytokine Levels in Migraineurs and Controls

Background.—The vasoactive peptide, calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), is released from primary afferent neurons in the trigemino‐vascular circulation during migraine headache. CGRP at physiological concentrations and possibly via stimulation of its selective receptors on T‐cells, triggers the secretion of cytokines. Cytokines play an important role in several physiological and pathological settings such as immunology, inflammation, and pain. Objective.—To investigate plasma levels of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines in migraineurs and healthy controls. Methods.—We studied 25 migraine patients, during and outside attacks, and 18 healthy control subjects measuring plasma levels of IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), IL‐4, IL‐1β, and IL‐2 using ELISA. Results.—Circulating levels of IL‐10, TNFα, and IL‐1β during attacks were significantly higher in comparison to their levels outside attacks ( P = .0003, P = .03, and P = .05, respectively). IL‐10 and TNF serum levels were higher in patients studied soon after headache onset and lower over time ( P = .004 and P = .05). Conclusion.—Our results suggest that TNFα, IL‐1β, and IL‐10 may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine attacks.