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Analgesic-induced chronic headache: long-term results of withdrawal therapy.

Headache characteristics are described in 139 patients with chronic daily or almost daily headaches due to regular intake of analgesics and the short- and long-term results of drug withdrawal. Drug-induced headache was described as dull, diffuse, and band-like, and usually started in the early morning. The mean duration of the original headache (migraine or tension headache) was 25 years; regular intake of drugs and chronic daily headache had started 10 and 6 years prior to withdrawal therapy, respectively. Patients took an average of 34.6 tablets or analgesic suppositories or antimigraine drugs per week containing 5.8 different substances. The drugs most often used were caffeine (95%), ergotalkaloids (89%), barbiturates (64%), and spasmolytics, paracetamol, and pyrazolone derivates (45%-46%). A total of 103 patients (68 migraine, 35 tension or combination headache) were available for interviews at a mean time interval of 2.9 years after an inpatient drug withdrawal programme. Chronic headache had disappeared or was reduced by more than 50% in two-thirds of the patients. Positive predictors for successful treatment were migraine as primary headache, chronic headache lasting less than 10 years, and regular intake of ergotamine. Drug intake was significantly reduced and patients used single substances more often. Patients who originally suffered from migraine, superimposed on the daily headache, also experienced a significant improvement in the frequency of the migraines and their intensity. Migraine prophylaxis through beta-blocking agents and calcium channel antagonists was more efficient after drug-withdrawal therapy.

Adult↗

Further evidence that 3H-cis(Z)flupenthixol binds to the adenylate cyclase-associated dopamine receptor (D-1) in rat corpus striatum.

The proposal that 3H-cis(Z)flupenthixol (3H-FPT) preferentially binds to striatal dopamine receptors associated with adenylate cyclase activity (D-1), distinct from dopamine receptors to which 3H-haloperidol (3H-hal) binds (D-2), has been investigated further. The dopamine agonists bromocriptine and ergotamine were 60-times more potent as displacers of 3H-hal than 3H-FPT binding. Other dopamine agonists (ergometrine, dopamine, apomorphine, 2-amino-6,7-dihydroxy-tetralin (ADTN), and ergocornine) also shared this profile, although a smaller ratio was found for these compounds. Substituted benzamides (clebopride greater than sultopride greater than sulpiride greater than metoclorpramide greater than tiapride) displace 3H-hal but have only a very slight displacing effect towards 3H-FPT, and did not inhibit dopamine-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. The same pattern is shared by oxiperomide and molindone. Together, these results support the idea that 3H-FPT labels another class of dopamine receptors than does 3H-hal, and that the former class most likely is associated with adenylate cyclase.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗

[Tumor- and drug-induced cutaneous axonal dystrophy. An electronmicrocopy proof of multiple lamellated bodies].

A marked cutaneous axonal dystrophy has been observed electronmicroscopically for the first time in the skin of three patients: (a) lesion of pityriasis lichenoides chronica in a patient with bronchogenic carcinoma, (b) non involved skin of a patient with malignant melanoma and (c) non involved skin of a patient with gout and retinal damage after prolonged use of chloroquine. The affected myelinated and non myelinated axons showed distinct alterations of mitochondria and multiple osmiophilic lamellated bodies (LK). These changes were interpreted as a (poly-)neuropathy, due to the influence of toxic systemic agents, such as malignant tumor and abuse of drugs. Chloroquine is known to induce neural damage. Moreover, some other compounds (ergotamine, ethaverine, analgetic preparations) may also be responsible for the drug-induced axonal dystrophy described in this study.

Adult↗

Effect of propionyl-L-carnitine in a rat model of peripheral arteriopathy: a functional, histologic, and NMR spectroscopic study.

Propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC) has been shown to exert beneficial effects in experimental models of peripheral arterial diseases, such as ergotamine-induced tail gangrene and bilateral femoral arteries occlusion in rats. These models, however, present some drawbacks. The present study was performed to determine whether repeated oral administration of PLC improves the functional, histologic, and metabolic parameters in rats with long-lasting chemically induced peripheral arteriopathy. Peripheral arteriopathy was induced by injecting Na laurate in both the femoral arteries of rats. The walking capacity of the animals (treadmill test) was evaluated at different times and up to 5 weeks after Na laurate injection. Histological examination of vessels and muscles was performed at the end of the experimental period (5 weeks). In separate experiments the level of high-energy phosphates was determined with 31P NMR methodology in the leg muscles. Injection of Na laurate impaired (p < 0.05) the walking capacity of rats, caused thickening of the intima and marked narrowing of the vasal lumen, and reduced the ATP and PCr levels in muscles by 42% and 25%, respectively. PLC given orally for 7 days at 30, 60, 120, and 250 mg/kg dose-dependently decreased the severity of walking capacity impairment by 19%, 41%, 64%, and 71%, respectively. Long-term administration (4 weeks) of PLC (60 and 250 mg/kg os) caused a significant improvement of walking capacity throughout the entire period. The improvement persisted 1 week after discontinuation of the treatment. The severity of the vascular and muscular damages was markedly reduced, particularly in animals treated with the highest dose. Alterations in ATP and PCr levels were significantly (p < 0.05) diminished by PLC (120 mg/kg os) administered daily for 15 days starting 24 hours after Na laurate injection, or for 11 days starting 4 days after Na laurate. The dextro-isomer of the compound was completely inactive, and L-carnitine improved motor performance to a much lesser degree than an identical dose of PLC. It is suggested that the activity of PLC is linked to its metabolic effects on fatty acid oxidation, with consequent preservation of high-energy phosphate levels.

Animals↗

[A method for the determination of ergot alkaloids in food].

A suitable method has been developed for the routine analysis of the ergot alkaloids ergometrine, ergometrinine, ergosine, ergosinine, ergotamine, ergotaminine, ergocornine, ergocorninine, alpha-ergocryptine, alpha-ergocryptinine, beta-ergocryptine, beta-ergocryptinine, ergocristine and ergocristinine in cereal products. The method consists of food extraction, cleaning of the crude extract by a modified form of the Extrelut method, and identification and quantitative determination of the alkaloids by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results are confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Market investigations have shown contaminations in ecological as well as in conventional products, with rye products mainly being contaminated. Within the EEC, a maximum value of 0.05% ergot respectively a total alkaloid content of 1 mg/kg in cereals used for food production is prescribed. This value was not exceeded in any of the investigated samples.

Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid↗

Pergolide binds tightly to dopamine D2 short receptors and induces receptor sequestration.

Pergolide is an ergotamine derivative with potent D1 and D2 receptor activity. In this study we showed that pergolide binds tightly to dopamine D2 short receptors, as indicated by the long period of occupancy of the receptors after washing. Furthermore, pergolide induces receptor internalization to a larger extent than dopamine, seeing that no recycling of the receptors to the plasma membrane was observed for either agonist. The dissociation of pergolide from dopamine receptors occurs during the endocytotic process, leaving the receptors accessible to [3H]methylspiperone. Pergolide is a lipophilic compound that can reach and compete with [3H]methylspiperone for binding to sequestered receptors. If internalized receptors are still a target for drug action, pergolide could be a suitable compound of therapeutic interest in cases where receptor sequestration could prevent dopamine efficacy, as in levodopa therapy.

Animals↗

A review of current drugs for migraine.

The current treatments available for migraine are reviewed and may be classified into four basic types. (a) Identification and elimination of migraine trigger factors, which include stress, emotions, fatigue, certain foods and beverages, and certain medications such as oestrogen therapy. (b) Symptomatic treatment of individual attacks. This includes various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin and paracetamol, and ergotamine, dihydroergotamine and phenothiazines. Morphinomimetics, which are often given for migraine, should really be avoided. (c) Prophylactic treatment which is particularly recommended for patients averaging two or more severe migraine attacks per month. Useful drugs include: beta-adrenergic receptor blockers as first choice, e.g. propranolol, timolol, nadolol and metoprolol; 5-hydroxytryptamine blockers, e.g. pizotifen and methysergide; calcium channel blockers; dihydroergotamine; and NSAIDs. (d) Non-drug treatment which is best combined with identification and elimination of trigger factors, and the use of various relaxation techniques. These four treatment types are covered in some detail, however it is clear that none of them is ideal and side-effects present a problem. Clearly, the continued research and development of novel and specific drugs for migraine is vital.

Humans↗

Pharmacology of antimigraine drugs.

The drugs used in migraine therapy can be divided into two groups: agents that abort an established migraine attack and agents used prophylactically to reduce the number of migraine attacks. Both groups have drugs that are specific for migrainous headaches and that are non-specific, and are used to treat the accompanying headache (analgesics), vomiting (anti-emetics), anxiety (sedatives and anxiolytics), or depression (antidepressants). The main drugs with specific action on migraine include ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, dihydroergotamine), agonists (sumatriptan) or partial agonists (methysergide) at a specific subtype of 5-HT1-like receptors, beta-adrenoceptor antagonists (propranolol, metoprolol), calcium antagonists (flunarizine) and anti-inflammatory agents (indomethacin). The pharmacological basis of therapeutic action of several of these drugs is not well understood. In the case of the ergot alkaloids and 5-HT1-like receptor agonists, however, it is likely that the antimigraine effect is related to the potent and rather selective constriction of the large arteries and arteriovenous anastomoses in the scalp and dural regions. In addition, these drugs inhibit plasma extravasation into the dura in response to trigeminal ganglion stimulation, but it is possible that this effect is related to the selective vasoconstriction in the extracerebral vascular bed. The selectivity of the pharmacological effects of these antimigraine drugs (constriction of the extracerebral arteries and arteriovenous anastomoses, poor penetration into the central nervous system and the absence of an antinociceptive effect even after intrathecal administration) strongly suggests that excessive dilatation in the extracerebral cranial vasculature, probably initiated by a neuronal event, is an integral part of the pathophysiology of migraine.

Analgesics↗

Inhibition of Paf-acether-induced edema of the rat's paw.

Three classes of drugs were found, after their i.p. administration, to inhibit Paf-acether-induced edema of the rat's paw. These were beta-adrenergic agonists (isoproterenol, salbutamol), alpha-adrenergic antagonists (prazosin, ergotamine, yohimbine, phenoxybenzamine), and calcium entry blockers (nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem). A number of other drugs including steroidal and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, alpha-agonists, beta-antagonists, pyrilamine, atropine, methysergide, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, and a leukotriene antagonist did not inhibit the development of the edema. Propranolol, but not practolol, antagonized the inhibitory effect of isoproterenol which provided evidence for involvement of beta-2 receptors in the mechanism of action of the beta agonists. It is suggested that cellular calcium influx is involved in the edemagenic response observed after the injection of Paf-acether into the rat's paw.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗

[Chemical and toxicologic studies of native corn in flour and bread].

During the bread-baking process, total alkaloid content is reduced by about 50%, the pharmacologically active alkaloids (the '-in' types) being reduced to a much greater extent than the less active type ('-inin' type). Using ergotamin and ergokryptin as a basis, total alkaloid levels were calculated from the HPLC data; these results were in a good agreement with the total alkaloid content calculated from 13 individual ergot alkaloids. The changes in the alkaloid spectrum caused by pelletin are shown. In feeding experiments with growing, pregnant, and lactating mice, diets with 0%, 1% and 2% unbaked (MM) or baked (MB) rye ergot were compared for possible toxic effects on reproduction, using animals fed ad libitum or pair-fed controls. A mean ingestion of 3.6 mg of alkaloids/kg body weight per day (MM 2%) was maternally toxic and caused inhibition of conception and implantation. Feeding with 1.3 or 1.6 mg of alkaloids/kg body weight per day (MM 1% and MB 2%) during pregnancy had no significant toxic effect on the embryo or fetus, but resulted in gestation time being prolonged to about 10 h. During lactation, an intake of 2.9 and 3.0 mg of alkaloids/kg body weight per day (MM 1% and MB 2%) led to a considerable reduction in growth (up to 50%) in the young mice compared to the control animals fed ad libitum. Both the determination of total ergot alkaloid content and the feeding experiment indicate that the bread-baking process causes a reduction and consequently a detoxification of ergot alkaloids of about 50%.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

Alkaloids in ergot found on different Gramineae in The Netherlands.

The alkaloid content and the composition of the alkaloid complex of thirteen samples of ergot sclerotia from different gramineous host species collected in The Netherlands were investigated. Two samples collected in France were also examined. Ergot of Glyceria fluitans (L.) R.Br. did not contain alkaloids. The total alkaloid content of ergot found on the other wild grasses was more than 0.2%. The ratio between the contents of water soluble and water insoluble alkaloids of the investigated ergot sclerotia varies between 1:10 and 1:20. The composition of the alkaloid complex in the sclerotia was studied by quantitative thin-layer chromatography. The sclerotia could be grouped into three main categories: --sclerotia of Lolium perenne L., Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Arrhenatherum elatius (L.) P.B. ex J. et C. Presl, containing predominantly ergocornine, alpha- and beta-ergokryptine and ergosine; --sclerotia of Dactylis glomerata L., Phalaris arundinacea L., Alopecurus geniculatus L. and Holcus mollis L., containing predominantly ergosine, ergocristine and ergotamine; --sclerotia of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench, containing predominantly ergocristine, ergosine and ergometrine. A great similarity was found between the composition of the alkaloid complex in ergot of Lolium perenne L. from different locations and also in ergot of Molinia caerulea (L.) Moench from different locations. This similarity was less in ergot of Dactylis glomerata L. collected from different locations.

Chromatography, Thin Layer↗

Aerosols for systemic treatment.

The development of a new group of drugs (polypeptides) have recently increased the interest of alternative administration to the enteral route because of its proteolytic activity and the catabolism of the "first-pass effect." Aside from the "needle," the administration in the respiratory tract via aerosol is the method with the best efficiency. But several problems prohibited its spreading: (1) the accuracy and the reproducibility of the inhaled dose (range ca. 1:4); (2) the small amount of inhaled drug in relation to the dose in the aerosol delivery system (range ca. 1%-10%); (3) the fear of allergic reactions of the respiratory system; (4) the variability of the drug transport into the systemic circulation. New approaches and data raise hopes in reducing the problems: (1) aerosol delivery systems with defined particle spectrum and storage systems; slow vital capacity inhaling maneuver; (2) delivery systems that nebulizes nearly the total amount of drug; (3) all studies with the inhalation application of insulin, heparin, ergotamin, ribavirin, aminoglycosides, and "cigarette smoke" do not reveal any relevant allergic reaction; (4) many studies were performed in the last 10 years on the influence of substances and especially of diseases on the transport of molecules through the respiratory tract. Only a few of them are relevant (exogen allergic alveolitis, active sarcoidosis, active smoking). Aerosols for (exogen allergic alveolitis, active sarcoidosis, active smoking). Aerosols for systemic drug treatment seems to be a gained alternative to the "syringe."

Aerosols↗

Effects of avitriptan, a new 5-HT 1B/1D receptor agonist, in experimental models predictive of antimigraine activity and coronary side-effect potential.

Several acutely acting antimigraine drugs, including ergotamine and sumatriptan, have the ability to constrict porcine arteriovenous anastomoses as well as the human isolated coronary artery. These two experimental models seem to serve as indicators, respectively, for the therapeutic and coronary side-effect potential of the compounds. Using these two models, we have now investigated the effects of avitriptan (BMS-180048; 3-[3-[4-(5-methoxy-4-pyrimidinyl)-l-piperazinyl[propyl]-N-methyl-l H-indole-5-methane-sulfonamide monofumarate), a new 5-HT 1B/1D receptor agonist. In anaesthetized pigs, avitriptan (10, 30, 100 and 300 micrograms.kg-1) decreased the total carotid blood flow by exclusively decreasing arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow; capillary blood flow was increased. The mean +/- SEM i.v. dose of avitriptan eliciting a 50% decrease (ED50) in the porcine carotid arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow was calculated to be 76 +/- 23 micrograms.kg-1 (132 +/- 40 nmol.kg-1) and the highest dose (300 micrograms.kg-1) produced a 72 +/- 4% reduction. In recent comparative experiments (DeVries et al. 1996), the mean +/- SEM ED50 (i.v.) of sumatriptan in decreasing carotid arteriovenous anastomotic blood flow was 63 +/- 17 micrograms.kg-1 (158 +/- 43 nmol.kg-1), with a reduction of 76 +/- 4% by 300 micrograms.kg-1, i.v. Both avitriptan (pD2; 7.39 +/- 0.09; Emax: 13.0 +/- 4.5% of the contraction to 100 mM K+) and sumatriptan (pD2: 6.33 +/- 0.09; Emax: 15.5 +/- 2.3% of the contraction to 100 mM K+) contracted the human isolated coronary artery. The above results suggest that avitriptan should be able to abort migraine headaches in patients, but may exhibit sumatriptan-like effects on coronary arteries. Initial clinical studies have demonstrated the therapeutic action of the drug in acute migraine.

Animals↗

Episodic vertigo related to migraine (90 cases): vestibular migraine?

A retrospective study was conducted on 90 patients with episodic vertigo that could be related to migraine as the most probable pathomechanism. Since the majority of the patients did not fulfill the criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS) for basilar migraine, the diagnosis was substantiated by disease course, medical efficacy in treating (ergotamines) and preventing (metoprolol, flunarizine) attacks, ocular motor abnormalities in the symptom-free interval, and careful exclusion of the most relevant differential diagnoses, such as transient ischemic attacks, Menière's disease, and vestibular paroxysmia. The following clinical features were elaborated. The initial manifestation could occur at any time throughout life, with a peak in the fourth decade in men and a "plateau" between the third and fifth decades in women. The duration of rotational (78%) and/or to-and-fro vertigo (38%) could last from a few seconds to several hours or, less frequently, even days; duration of a few minutes or of several hours was most frequent. Monosymptomatic audiovestibular attacks (78%) occurred as vertigo associated with auditory symptoms in only 16%. Vertigo was not associated with headache in 32% of the patients. In the symptom-free interval 66% of the patients showed mild central ocular motor signs such as vertical (48%) and/or horizontal (22%) saccadic pursuit, gaze-evoked nystagmus (27%), moderate positional nystagmus (11%), and spontaneous nystagmus (11%). Combinations with other forms of migraine were found in 52%. Thus, migraine is a relevant differential diagnosis for episodic vertigo. According to the criteria of the IHS, only 7.8% of these patients would be diagnosed as having basilar migraine. However, to ensure that at least those presenting with monosymptomatic episodic vertigo (78% in our study) receive effective treatment, we propose the use of the more appropriate term "vestibular migraine."

Adolescent↗

[Prophylactic measures and acute treatment of migraine].

The treatment of migraine consists of the acute treatment of the migraine attack and prophylactic measures for either pharmacological or non-pharmacological management. Since the retreat of the ergotamines one can only choose between one of the well-established analgesics and one of seven triptans for the treatment of the migraine attack. Although neither a new triptan nor an innovative new application form has been introduced, the year 2006 will be remembered as the year when the first triptan (naratriptan) was released as a prescription-free over-the-counter drug and when the first sumatriptan generics were marketed in Germany. In addition to the beta-blockers metoprolol and propranolol and the calcium antagonist flunarizine two antiepileptic drugs, topiramate and valproic acid, have been rated as first-line prophylactic drugs in Germany. Due to an extensive and successful study program topiramate has been officially approved in Germany.

Anticonvulsants↗

[Animal models and their results in relation to the therapy of migraine].

Until now, our understanding of migraine pathophysiology has been fairly incomplete. So far no animal model has allowed an explanation of all facets of the clinically heterogeneous condition migraine. However, it is now generally accepted that the migraine headache is due to activation of the trigeminal system. The model of neurogenic inflammation after stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion or systemic administration of capsaicin allows study of the inhibitory interactions between antimigraine compounds and peripheral trigeminal fibre terminals that sustain a sterile meningeal inflammation through release of allogenic and vasoactive neuropeptides, such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. Studies with the model of superior sagittal sinus stimulation have revealed central actions of antimigraine agents such as ergotamine and sumatriptan, but also acetylsalicylic acid on neurotransmission of trigeminal nociceptive input in the brainstem. A likely explanation for the slowly progressing neurological deficits is cortical spreading depression (CSD), which can easily be elicited in many species. However, CSD has not been observed in vivo in humans. The described models strongly influenced the development of new medications for migraine treatment and have improved our understanding of migraine pathophysiology.

English Abstract↗

[Drug-induced headache--pathomechanisms of addiction].

The pathogenesis of drug abuse in patients suffering from drug-induced headache is not known in detail. It is unclear whether drug abuse in chronic daily headache should be classified as a form of drug dependence. Current findings concerning the neurobiological correlates of addictive behavior and affective disorders point to the importance of monoaminergic dysregulation, especially a dysfunction of central serotonergic neurotransmission. We reviewed the literature on drug-induced headache and examined hypothetical pathomechanisms of addiction. Drugs causing drug-induced headache such as paracetamol, coffein and ergotamine interfere with behavior patterns or neurotransmitter systems that are also affected by drugs of abuse. Several drugs that ameliorate acute headache interact with central serotonergic neurotransmission and may affect anxiety and depression in patients with chronic daily headache. Non human primate and human studies revealed mechanisms of serotonergic dysfunction in drug dependence, which may also be relevant for drug-abuse in medication-induced headache. Medication-induced dysfunction of monoaminergic, especially serotonergic neurotransmission, may affect drug dependence by exacerbating mood disorders. Further studies are necessary to assess serotonergic neurotransmission in patients with drug-induced headache and abuse of medication.

English Abstract↗

[Acute tongue necrosis provoked by epirubicin-cyclophosphamide treatment for invasive ductal breast cancer].

CASE: Unilateral necrosis of the tongue is an uncommon symptom of different rare diseases. Previously, it had only been described as an infrequent complication of temporal arteritis or as a side effect of therapy with ergotamine. We present a case of unilateral necrosis of the tongue in a 62-year-old woman with invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast treated with epirubicin and cyclophosphamide. RESULTS: The necrosis led to a rapid swelling of the tongue and consequently to an airway obstruction necessitating a tracheotomy. After excision of the necrosis, the swelling of the tongue and the airway obstruction subsided. DISCUSSION: Because of the temporal connection between the occurrence of the necrosis and the administration of chemotherapy, an adverse effect of the administered drugs seems most likely. However, a paraneoplastic pathogenesis cannot be completely excluded. The occurrence of unilateral necrosis of the tongue is a rare complication of the above-mentioned conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the different causes leading to this rare disease in order to initiate the right therapy.

Acute Disease↗