Proinflammatory Cytokines, Adhesion Molecules, and Lymphocyte Integrin Expression in the Internal Jugular Blood of Migraine Patients Without Aura Assessed Ictally

The transient increase in sICAM-1 and TNF-alpha found in the internal jugular blood of MWoA patients assessed ictally can be induced by sensory neuropeptides released from activated trigeminal endings. The progressive decrease in sICAM-1 levels during attacks and the down-regulation of LFA-1 expression by lymphocytes could antagonize their transvascular migration, supporting the hypothesis of sterile inflammation in the dura mater during migraine attacks.