TRPV1 receptor as a therapeutical target for the treatment of migraine

Migraine is a disorder that involves throbbing head pain with increased sensory sensitivity to light, sound, and head movement. Although the pathophysiology of migraine is still obscure, the excitement of the trigeminovascular system followed by the neurogenic inflammation in the dura mater has been implicated in the development of headaches. In addition, the TRPV1 receptor, which is known as one of the nociceptive receptors has recently been shown to express in the dura mater. These findings indicate an association between the TRPV1 receptor and migraine headaches. Furthermore, it suggests of a possibility that the TRPV1 receptor can act as a new therapeutic target for migraine. First, we reviewed the pathophysiology of migraine and the function of the TRPV1 receptor at first. Next, we introduce the possible therapeutic approaches for the application of this receptor for treating migraine; these approaches include regulation of neurotransmitter release via the TRPV1 receptor, regulation of pain conduction pathways via the TRPV1 receptor, and the regulation of the expression of the TRPV1 receptor.