In vivo administration of propranolol decreases exaggerated amounts of serum TNF-alpha in patients with migraine without aura. Possible mechanism of action.

Patients with migraine without aura (MWA) display elevated amounts of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha in their sera. In this study in 18 patients with MWA the in vivo effect of propranolol, a beta blocker agent, was evaluated with regard to the TNF serum levels before and after treatment. Results show that in 9 out 11 patients exaggerated serum concentrations of TNF reverted to normality after three months of therapy. Some hypotheses on the mechanisms of action of propranolol in terms of modulation of the immune response are formulated.