Abstract
PurposeMigraine is associated with vascular disorders, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Nitric oxide (NO) sensitivity is believed to play a major role in migraine pathophysiology. We investigated flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) and nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilatation (NMD) of the brachial artery by means of a key molecular mediator, NO, in patients with migraine without aura in the interictal period whether the abnormality is found.MethodsA total of 12 patients with migraine without aura and 12 matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. FMD and NMD were measured in all patients and controls using brachial artery ultrasonography.ResultsThere was no significant difference in brachial artery diameter between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs (3.39 ± 0.68 vs 3.89 ± 0.67 mm, respectively; p = 0.083). A significant difference in FMD was not found between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs (6.94 ± 5.72 vs 6.08 ± 2.98%, respectively; p = 0.651). However, NMD in migraineurs was significant higher than that in nonmigraineurs (21.56 ± 7.36 vs 14.23 ± 7.41%, respectively; p = 0.024).ConclusionWe think that patients with migraine without aura in the interictal period have selective sensitivity in dilator response to nitroglycerin and may have systemic NO sensitivity.
Highlights
Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), an endotheliumdependent function, and nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD), an endothelium-independent function, in the brachial artery is a useful tool for evaluating vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function [1]
We suggest that patients with migraine without aura in the interictal period have selective sensitivity in dilator response to NTG and may have systemic nitric oxide (NO) sensitivity to NTG
There was no significant difference in brachial artery diameter (BAD) between migraineurs and nonmigraineurs (3.39 ± 0.68 vs 3.89 ± 0.67 mm, respectively; p = 0.083)
Summary
Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), an endotheliumdependent function, and nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD), an endothelium-independent function, in the brachial artery is a useful tool for evaluating vascular endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) function [1]. A principal mediator of FMD and NMD is endotheliumderived nitric oxide (NO) and exogenous NO from nitroglycerin (NTG). Decreased FMD [2] and increased NMD and decreased FMD [3] have been described in reports of. Journal of Medical Ultrasonics (2018) 45:605–610 without aura may have a systemic vascular abnormality, as described in previous reports [2, 3, 6].
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