Journal article

Publication year: 2015

Pages: 966-972

Journal: European Journal of Pain

Volume number: 19

Issue number: 7

ISSN: 1090-3801

eISSN: 1532-2149

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.622

Publisher: Wiley

Abstract: 

BackgroundTriptans are agonists to 5-HT 1B/D/F receptors, which are present on nociceptive neurons not only within but also beyond the trigeminal system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether zolmitriptan interacts with peptidergic nociceptive afferents in human skin.

MethodsTwenty participants (13 women, median age: 25; interquartile range: 23-26 years) entered the randomized, double-blind, cross-over study. Electrically induced neurogenic flare and pain was assessed after either placebo or zolmitriptan on the ventral thigh. Mechanical pain thresholds were investigated at baseline and after electrical stimulation at the stimulation site.

ResultsThe size of the neurogenic flare (F=10.9; p=0.002) as well as electrically induced pain were significantly reduced by zolmitriptan (F=4.46; p=0.041). Moreover, electrically induced pinprick hyperalgesia was significantly decreased by zolmitriptan compared with placebo (F=6.243; p=0.017).

ConclusionsTriptans may have effects outside of the trigeminal system and reduce electrically evoked neurogenic inflammation and pain in human skin.

Harvard Citation style: Doering, K., Best, C., Birklein, F. and Kraemer, H. (2015) Zolmitriptan inhibits neurogenic inflammation and pain during electrical stimulation in human skin, European Journal of Pain, 19(7), pp. 966-972. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.622

APA Citation style: Doering, K., Best, C., Birklein, F., & Kraemer, H. (2015). Zolmitriptan inhibits neurogenic inflammation and pain during electrical stimulation in human skin. European Journal of Pain. 19(7), 966-972. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.622