Preclinical studies investigating the neural mechanisms involved in the co‐morbidity of migraine and temporomandibular disorders: the role of CGRP

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and migraine can be co-morbid. This can be a significant factor in exacerbating and increasing the prevalence of migraine-like symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms involved are unknown. Our objective was to investigate these neural mechanisms and the role of CGRP as a key modulator in this co-morbidity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We combined experimental approaches using CGRP, which triggers a migraine-like response in patients, with that of masseteric muscle injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA), to model myofascial TMD-like inflammation. Using validated electrophysiological methods to assess each of the above approaches independently or in combination, we examined their effects on the response properties of migraine-like dural-trigeminocervical neurons. KEY RESULTS: Independently, in ~2/3 of animals (rats) each approach caused delayed migraine-like activation and sensitisation of dural-trigeminocervical neurons. The response to masseteric-CFA was attenuated by a selective CGRP receptor antagonist. The combination approach caused a migraine-like neuronal response in all animals tested, with somatosensory-evoked cranial hypersensitivity significantly exacerbated. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The data demonstrate a neuronal phenotype that translates to the exacerbated clinical co-morbid phenotype, supporting this combination approach as a relevant model to study the mechanisms involved. It provides a pathophysiological rationale for this exacerbated phenotype, strongly implicating the involvement of CGRP. The results provide support for targeting the CGRP pathway as a novel monotherapy approach for treating this co-morbid condition. This has key implications into our understanding of this co-morbid condition, as well as potentially addressing the major unmet need for novel and effective therapeutic approaches.