Migraine is a disorder characterized by attacks of monolateral
headaches, often accompanied by
nausea,
vomiting, and
photophobia. Around 30% of patients also report
aura symptoms. The cause of the
aura is believed to be related to the cortical spreading depression (CSD), a wave of neuronal and glial depolarization originating in the occipital cortex, followed by temporary neuronal silencing. During a
migraine attack, increased expression of inflammatory mediators, along with a decrease in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes, have been observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of inflammatory genes, in particular that of
IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RN), following CSD in a mouse model of
familial hemiplegic migraine type 1 (FHM-1). We show here that the expression of IL-1RN was upregulated after the CSD, suggesting a possible attempt to modulate the inflammatory response. This study allows researchers to better understand the development of the disease and
aids in the search for new therapeutic strategies in
migraine.