Platelet serotonin in headache patients treated by new trend acupuncture.

ABSTRACT

Headache can be treated with acupuncture but its mechanism is virtually unknown. Since serotonin is considered to be an important factor as well as hyperactive platelets in the causation of migraine headache, a before and after study design was employed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the platelet serotonin and platelet aggregation in headache patients. Thirty-three patients, 18 suffering migraine headaches and 15 tension headaches were treated with dry needle acupuncture accompanying breathing exercise. Platelet serotonin was measured by spectrophotofluorometric method before and after treatment and found to be increased in 25 patients and decreased in 8 patients. The former groups show a statistically significant increase of p<0.01 (mean difference 0.15 + 0.26). Platelet aggregation induced by aggregating agents was also calibrated as to maximum response. The aggregations induced by collagen 1 ug, ADP 3 Um, adrenaline 1 or 25 uM, were decreased after acupuncture with significant collagen-induced aggregation (p<0.05). This suggests platelet serotonin and aggregation play a significant role in the treatment of headache by both inhibiting aggregation and by serotonin release. Thus the platelet serotonin is increased. Some interesting pints have been discussed in this report.