In human models of migraine, a suspected pharmacological migraine trigger is administered either orally or via infusion to a participant with migraine or a healthy volunteer, typically within a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design.1 This allows for the identification of molecules involved in the generation of migraine attacks, and thereby reveals potential treatment targets. Moreover, migraine attacks can be reliably induced to investigate their pathophysiological underpinnings using e.g. advanced magnetic resonance imaging to investigate vasodilation or changes in neuronal activity.
MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging; PACAP-38 = Pituitary Adenylate Activating Polypeptide-38.
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Migraine affects an estimated 1.1 billions worldwide and ranks as the 2nd leading cause of disability, while being the leading among young adults.
The trigeminovascular system is recognized as the anatomical and physiological substrate of migraine