• Rogelio Leira, Tomás Sobrino, Manuel Rodríguez-Yáñez, Miguel Blanco, Susana Arias, and José Castillo.
• Headache and Stroke Unit and Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
• Headache. 2007 May 1; 47 (5): 698-702.

ObjectiveTo examine the role of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in migraine during headache and asymptomatic periods.MethodsThirty-four patients with migraine with and without aura (according to International Headache Society criteria) were studied. Clinical characteristic of headache were recorded. Blood samples for measurement of MMP-9 were drawn during headache attacks and during asymptomatic periods in all patients and in 10 healthy controls.ResultsWe found higher plasma MMP-9 levels in migraine patients than in control group (129.3 [78.0-258.9] vs. 49.6 [39.1-64.3] ng/mL; P < .001). Migrainous patients showed higher MMP-9 plasma levels during headache attacks than in asymptomatic periods, both in migraine without aura (338.4 [275.1-396.2] vs. 118.2 [75.3-137.5] ng/mL; P < .0001), and migraine with aura (389.3 [273.4-487.1] vs. 139.3 [107.3-191.4] ng/mL; P < .0001).ConclusionsOur study showed an increased production of MMP-9 during migraine attacks. These data suggest a possible role of inflammation or blood-brain barrier disruption during the migraine attack.

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