Dopamine: what's new in migraine?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Dopamine has been implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine, although its exact role remains unclear. Recent data offer some new perspective on a possible role for dopaminergic mechanisms in migraine. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of dopamine in migraine.

RECENT FINDINGS

Direct application of dopamine and dopamine receptor agonists onto trigeminocervical complex neurons inhibits their activation after nociceptive stimulation. The dopaminergic A11 nucleus of the hypothalamus has been identified as the likely source of this dopamine. Recent evidence has shown that the genes for dopamine beta-hydroxylase and the dopamine transporter SLC6A3 may play a role in migraine pathophysiology, and dopamine has also been implicated in menstrual migraine.

SUMMARY

Dopamine is currently considered to contribute to the pathophysiology of migraine, and dopamine receptor antagonists are prescribed in the treatment of acute migraine. Laboratory data suggest that the role of dopamine in migraine is more complex, perhaps due to the multiple receptors and levels of the brain involved in the disorder. These data suggest a reappraisal of dopaminergic therapeutic targets in migraine as our understanding of the role of this important biogenic amine is better characterized.