Migraine & Bradykinin
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Migraine is a debilitating condition, affecting a large proportion of the UK population. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, severe head pain, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances and these can prevent sufferers from undertaking normal activities.
The understanding of migraine is limited; whilst general pain pathways and mechanisms are understood, the causes and development of migraine and its associated pain are not fully understood. A number of theories have been proposed and one of those is that an abnormal release of neuropeptides results in stimulation of pain neurones, in particular serotinergic neurones, and also stimulation of other neurones that may result in the development of many of the wide-ranging symptoms seen in migraine. A number of involved neuropeptides have been identified but this list may not be finalised; bradykinin, an important neuropeptide in the periphery, may have a similar role in the Central Nervous System, and hence may be involved in the development of migraine.
This website reviews the knowledge of pain pathways, migraine and bradykinin and investigates the relationships between these three factors, including research into the CNS actions of bradykinin and how these actions may be elicited.
Explore the links to investigate the general understanding of pain and its mechanisms and also the understanding of migraine and the proposed involvement of bradykinin. If a word is highlighted then a glossary definition is available by clicking on the link, this will appear in a new window to avoid disruption to your browsing, the same is true for references.
