[New therapeutic alternatives in migraine prophylaxis using histamine H3 receptor agonists].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Subcutaneous histamine at low concentrations interacts with H3-receptors and may constitute a new therapeutic drug in migraine prophylaxis. It acts by limiting the excessive inflammatory response involved in migraine pathophysiology.

OBJECTIVE:

Describe the results of a 15-year trial administering histamine at low concentrations.

METHODS:

Different study designs were used with subcutaneous histamine (10 microg/ml in Evan's solution) twice weekly, with an initial administration of microg (0.1 ml) and gradually increasing the dose to 10 microg (1.0 ml) over a 12-week period together with placebo, sodium valproate and topiramate. A Friedman-type rank ANOVA test was used to assess the difference between basal values and different design outcomes.

RESULTS:

Data recorded during the 12-week period showed a significant reduction in variables from both treatment groups (histamine) compared with basaline stage results (p < 0.001). The histamine group reported a reduction of headache frequency (50%), decrease in pain intensity (51%), length of migraine attacks (45%) and painkiller use (52%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The present study provides evidence on the safety and efficiency of subcutaneous histamine administered at a dose of 1-10 microg twice weekly. This treatment constitutes a new therapeutic alternative, and provides a clinical and pharmacological basis for the use of H3 histaminergic agonists in migraine prophylaxis.

• Authors: Rebeca O Millán-Guerrero, Rebeca Isais-Millán
• Journal: Gaceta medica de Mexico (Gac Med Mex) 2008 Jul-Aug Vol. 144 Issue 4 Pg. 291-5 ISSN: 0016-3813 [Print] Mexico
• Vernacular Title: Nueva alternativa terapéutica en profilaxis de migraña con histamina como agonista de receptores H3.
• PMID: 18942262 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Histamine Agonists

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Histamine Agonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Migraine Disorders (prevention & control)