Neuropeptide changes in an improved migraine model with repeat stimulations

Migraine is a medical condition with a severe recursive headache. The activation of the trigeminovascular system is an important mechanism. The neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Several other neuropeptides are also involved; however, their roles in migraine remain unclear. In this study, using a rat model of migraine induced by electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglia (TG) and an improved version induced with repeated stimulation, we observed the dynamic changes of these peptides in TG and blood. We demonstrated that the expression of CGRP, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), neuropeptide Y (NPY), vasoactive intestinal peptide, and nociceptin in TG was significantly elevated and peaked at different time points after a single stimulation. Their levels in the blood plasma were significantly increased at 12 h after stimulation. The peptides were further elevated with repeated stimulation. The improved rat model of migraine with repeated stimulation of TG resulted in a more pronounced elevation of CGRP, PACAP, and NPY. Thus, the dynamic changes in neuropeptides after stimulation suggest that these neuropeptides may play an important role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Additionally, the migraine model with repetitive stimulation would be a novel model for future research.