Headache Currents
Histamine and Migraine
Hsiangkuo Yuan MD, PhD,
Stephen D. Silberstein MD,
Hsiangkuo Yuan MD, PhD
Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Stephen D. Silberstein MD
Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Address all correspondence to S.D. Silberstein, MD, FACP, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.Search for more papers by this authorHsiangkuo Yuan MD, PhD,
Stephen D. Silberstein MD,
Hsiangkuo Yuan MD, PhD
Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Search for more papers by this authorCorresponding Author
Stephen D. Silberstein MD
Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
Address all correspondence to S.D. Silberstein, MD, FACP, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 900 Walnut Street, Suite 200, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.Search for more papers by this authorConflict of Interest: Dr. Yuan serves as a consultant and receives honoraria from Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as a consultant and/or advisory panel member. Dr. Silberstein receives honoraria from Alder Biopharmaceuticals; Allergan, Inc.; Amgen; Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Depomed; Dr. Reddy's Laboratories; eNeura Inc.; electroCore Medical, LLC; Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals; Medscape, LLC; Medtronic, Inc.; Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc.; NINDS; St. Jude Medical; Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Teva Pharmaceuticals; and Trigemina, Inc.
Abstract
Background
Histamine is an ancient “tissue amine” preceding multicellular organisms. In the central nervous system (CNS), its fibers originate solely from the tuberomammillary nucleus and travel throughout the brain. It is mainly responsible for wakefulness, energy homeostasis, and memory consolidation. Recently, several studies suggest a potential role of histamine in migraine pathogenesis and management.
Methods
Narrative review of current literature regarding histamine and migraine.
Results
Histamine plays a crucial role in migraine pathogenesis: sustaining the neurogenic inflammation pathway. Interaction between mast cells (MC) and calcitonin-gene related protein (CGRP) results in sensitization of trigeminal afferents and trigeminal ganglia (TG). Histamine binds with differing affinities to four different histaminergic G-protein coupled receptors, activating protein kinases, or triggering calcium release with subsequent mode of actions. Histamine 1 receptor (H1R) and histamine 2 receptor (H2R) antagonists are frequently used for the treatment of allergy and gastric acid secretion, respectively, but their antagonism is probably ineffective for migraine. Histamine 3 receptor (H3R) and histamine 4 receptor (H4R) have a threefold higher affinity than H1R/H2R for histamine and are found almost exclusively on neurons and immune tissues, respectively. H3R acts as an autoreceptor or as a heteroreceptor, lowering the release of histamine and other neurotransmitters. This is a potential target for anti-nociception and anti-neurogenic inflammation. To date, several small clinical trials using low dose histamine or Nα-methylhistamine have demonstrated migraine prophylactic efficacy, probably via H3R or other undetermined pathways.
Conclusion
The histamine system interacts with multiple regions in the CNS and may hypothetically modulate the migraine response. Low dose histamine may be a promising option for migraine prevention.
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