Platelet Aggregability, Disaggregability and Serotonin Uptake in Migraine

Several disturbances in platelet function have been reported in migraineurs including serotonin (5–HT) metabolism and abnormal aggregability of platelets. The present work compared platelets taken from migraineurs during attacks and at headache-free periods with those of controls. The results demonstrated a tendency to increased aggregability during attacks compared to headache-free periods, and lower still in controls. Kinetic analysis of 5–HT uptake revealed normal K, increased V values and lower imipramine inhibition in m max migraineurs (both during headache and at headache-free periods). However, although the differences were significant statistically, they were small, and their clinical relevance remains to be proven.