Influence of Migraine on Axon Reflex-Mediated and Endothelial-Dependent Vasodilatation in the Skin

The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes in skin blood flow as a result of local heating tests in migraine patients during the interictal period, measured by laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDI). The aim of the study was also to estimate the correlations between the results of these tests and interleukin (IL)-8 levels. Twelve migraine patients during their interictal period were compared with twelve healthy control subjects. Only women were included in the study. Both groups were matched with regard of their age, body mass index and blood pressure. For the purpose of measuring cutaneous microvascular blood flow, heating (+44 °C) of the dorsal side of the palm as a response to the local LDI was used. IL-8 was measured in serum by ELISA method. The findings suggested that migraine patients have a cutaneous vasomotor dysfunction during the interictal period. The results showed a significant decrease in the initial peak of vasodilation and the second peak of vasodilation (plateau phase). Also there were significant changes observed in the length of the time interval required to reach the first and second vasodilation peak. It is known that migraine patients have a shorter time interval to reach the first perfusion peak (axonal reflex-mediated) and longer time interval to reach the second peak (endothelium-dependent). The results confirmed the correlation between proinflammatory chemokine IL-8 levels, and the time interval till the second peak of blood flow in all study subjects.