How the brain's natural opioid system affects migraine and chronic migraine
Investigation and Modulation of the Central Mu-Opioid Mechanism in Migraine (in vivo)
This project looks at whether changes in the brain's natural opioid and dopamine systems are linked to worsening migraine and could point to new ways to help people with episodic or chronic migraine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251821 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to specialized brain imaging visits where researchers use PET scans with tracers that show mu-opioid receptor and D2/D3 dopamine activity during and between migraine attacks. The team compares people with episodic migraine to those whose condition has progressed to chronic migraine and measures links to pain intensity, sensitivity (allodynia), and emotional symptoms. They will also examine whether increased endogenous opioid release in key regions like the amygdala relates to attack severity and medication use. Findings may guide approaches to change (modulate) these brain systems to reduce attacks or suffering.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with episodic or chronic migraine, especially those with frequent attacks (including people who have progressed to >15 headache days per month), would be the intended participants.
Not a fit: People without migraine, pregnant individuals, those with recent opioid use or other contraindications to PET imaging, or anyone unable to travel to the study site may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to treatments that target the brain's opioid or dopamine systems to lower migraine frequency, pain, and emotional suffering.
How similar studies have performed: Previous PET work by this team showed reduced mu-opioid receptor availability during episodic migraine and early evidence of increased opioid release in chronic migraine, but applying this knowledge to modulate these systems in chronic migraine is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasilva, Alexandre — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Dasilva, Alexandre
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.