The role of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channel in migraine pain: evaluation in an animal model

Chiara Demartini,Germana Tonsi,Oscar Francesconi,Cristina Tassorelli,Rosaria Greco,Anna Maria Zanaboni,Cristina Nativi

doi:10.1186/s10194-017-0804-4

Abstract

BackgroundClinical and experimental studies have pointed to the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channels in migraine pain. In this study, we aimed to further investigate the role of these channels in an animal model of migraine using a novel TRPA1 antagonist, ADM_12, as a probe.MethodsThe effects of ADM_12 on nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia at the trigeminal level were investigated in male rats using the quantification of nocifensive behavior in the orofacial formalin test. The expression levels of the genes coding for c-Fos, TRPA1, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) in peripheral and central areas relevant for migraine pain were analyzed. CGRP and SP protein immunoreactivity was also evaluated in trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC).ResultsIn rats bearing nitroglycerin-induced hyperalgesia, ADM_12 showed an anti-hyperalgesic effect in the second phase of the orofacial formalin test. This effect was associated to a significant inhibition of nitroglycerin-induced increase in c-Fos, TRPA1 and neuropeptides mRNA levels in medulla-pons area, in the cervical spinal cord and in the trigeminal ganglion. No differences between groups were seen as regards CGRP and SP protein expression in the TNC.ConclusionsThese findings support a critical involvement of TRPA1 channels in the pathophysiology of migraine, and show their active role in counteracting hyperalgesia at the trigeminal level.

Highlights

Clinical and experimental studies have pointed to the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channels in migraine pain
We evaluated the role of Transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channel in trigeminal hyperalgesia in a well validated animal model of migraine, based on nitroglycerin (NTG) administration [16,17,18,19] in association to the orofacial formalin test [20, 21]
ADM_12 administration induced a not significant reduction of the nocifensive behavior only during Phase I of test when used alone; on the contrary, when it was administered in association with NTG (NTG + ADM group), it significantly reduced the face rubbing time during Phase II when compared to NTG group (Fig. 1a)

Summary

Introduction

Clinical and experimental studies have pointed to the possible involvement of the transient receptor potential ankyrin type-1 (TRPA1) channels in migraine pain. We aimed to further investigate the role of these channels in an animal model of migraine using a novel TRPA1 antagonist, ADM_12, as a probe. Trigeminovascular system activation, followed by dural neurogenic inflammation and sensitization phenomenon, seems to be one of the main mechanisms that underlie migraine attacks. Preclinical and clinical data support a role for several mediators, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in migraine pathophysiology, and highlight the pharmacological agents. TRPA1 are co-expressed with TRP vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels in nociceptive neurons, where they trigger or enhance neurotransmitter release [5, 7, 8]. It seems likely that these TRP channels show functional and physical interactions [10]

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