Brain research
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We developed an assay which predicts the antimigraine efficacy of sumatriptan. Our assay is based on two assumptions: (1) electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion mimics the neurogenic inflammatory process and (2) stimulation-induced increases in n. trigeminal caudalis blood flow reflect activation of a large population of neurons. ⋯ Sumatriptan blunted the increase in blood flow following stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion. These data suggest that the n. trigeminal caudalis blood flow model may be useful in identifying antimigraine compounds.
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This study examined estrous differences in the characteristics of behavioral crises of visceral pain in female rats video-taped throughout a 4-day period after implantation of an artificial stone in one ureter. All animals continued to have a regular cycle after ureteral surgery. ⋯ Mean duration and complexity of crises were slightly higher in M/D than in P/E, but the difference was not significant. The results in this animal model show an enhancement of ureteral pain sensitivity in M/D, a finding in line with the clinical observation, in fertile women with urinary calculosis, of a greater incidence of colics in the perimenstrual period (equivalent to M/D in rats).