Prolactin levels linked to migraine risk

Migraine is three times more common in women.

CGRP plays a critical role in migraine pathology and causes female-specific behavioral responses upon meningeal application. These effects are likely mediated through interactions of CGRP with signaling systems specific to females. Prolactin (PRL) levels have been correlated with migraine attacks. In a new study the authors explored a potential interaction between CGRP and PRL in the meninges.

Prolactin, CGRP, and receptor antagonists CGRP8--9-G129R-hPRL were administered onto the dura of rodents followed by behavioral testing. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine PRL, CGRP and Prolactin receptor (Prlr) expression within the dura. Electrophysiology on cultured and back-labeled trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons was used to assess PRL-induced excitability. Finally, the effects of PRL on evoked CGRP release from ex vivo dura were measured.

They founded that dural PRL produced sustained and long-lasting migraine-like behavior in cycling and ovariectomized female, but not male rodents. Prlr was expressed on dural afferent nerves in females with little-to-no presence in males. Consistent with this, PRL increased excitability only in female TG neurons innervating the dura and selectively sensitized CGRP release from female ex vivo dura. They demonstrate crosstalk between PRL and CGRP systems as CGRP8-37 decreases migraine-like responses to dural PRL. Reciprocally, 1-9-G129R-hPRL attenuates dural CGRP-induced migraine behaviors. Similarly, Prlr deletion from sensory neurons significantly reduced migraine-like responses to dural CGRP.

This CGRP-PRL interaction in the meninges is a mechanism by which these peptides could produce female-selective responses and increase the prevalence of migraine in women.