Migraine headache and aura induced by hypoxia

Migraine, a common neurological disorder, impacts over a billion individuals globally. Its complex aetiology involves various signalling cascades. Hypoxia causes headaches such as high-altitude headache and acute mountain sickness which share phenotypical similarities with migraine. Epidemiological data indicate an increased prevalence of migraine with and without aura in high-altitude populations. Experimental studies have further shown that hypoxia can induce migraine attacks. This review summarizes evidence linking hypoxia to migraine, delves into potential pathophysiological mechanisms and highlights research gaps.

Human Cerebral Perfusion, Oxygen Consumption, and Lactate Production in Response to Hypoxic Exposure

Exposure to moderate hypoxia in humans leads to cerebral lactate production, which occurs even when the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) is unaffected. We searched for the mechanism of this lactate production by testing the hypothesis of upregulation of cerebral glycolysis mediated by hypoxic sensing. Describing the pathways counteracting brain hypoxia could help us understand brain diseases associated with hypoxia. A total of 65 subjects participated in this study: 30 subjects were exposed to poikilocapnic hypoxia, 14 were exposed to isocapnic hypoxia, and 21 were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO). Using this setup, we examined whether lactate production reacts to an overall reduction in arterial oxygen concentration or solely to reduced arterial oxygen partial pressure. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF), CMRO2, and lactate concentrations by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. CBF increased (P < 10-4), whereas the CMRO2 remained unaffected (P > 0.076) in all groups, as expected. Lactate increased in groups inhaling hypoxic air (poikilocapnic hypoxia: $0.0136\ \frac{\mathrm{mmol}/\mathrm{L}}{\Delta{\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{a}}{\mathrm{O}}_2}$, P < 10-6; isocapnic hypoxia: $0.0142\ \frac{\mathrm{mmol}/\mathrm{L}}{\Delta{\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{a}}{\mathrm{O}}_2}$, P = 0.003) but was unaffected by CO (P = 0.36). Lactate production was not associated with reduced CMRO2. These results point toward a mechanism of lactate production by upregulation of glycolysis mediated by sensing a reduced arterial oxygen pressure. The released lactate may act as a signaling molecule engaged in vasodilation.

Amylin Analog Pramlintide Induces Migraine-like Attacks in Patients

OBJECTIVE

Migraine is a prevalent and disabling neurological disease. Its genesis is poorly understood, and there remains unmet clinical need. We aimed to identify mechanisms and thus novel therapeutic targets for migraine using human models of migraine and translational models in animals, with emphasis on amylin, a close relative of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

METHODS

Thirty-six migraine without aura patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, 2-way, crossover, positive-controlled clinical trial study to receive infusion of an amylin analogue pramlintide or human αCGRP on 2 different experimental days. Furthermore, translational studies in cells and mouse models, and rat, mouse and human tissue samples were conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (88%) developed headache after pramlintide infusion, compared to 33 (97%) after CGRP (p = 0.375). Fourteen patients (41%) developed migraine-like attacks after pramlintide infusion, compared to 19 patients (56%) after CGRP (p = 0.180). The pramlintide-induced migraine-like attacks had similar clinical characteristics to those induced by CGRP. There were differences between treatments in vascular parameters. Human receptor pharmacology studies showed that an amylin receptor likely mediates these pramlintide-provoked effects, rather than the canonical CGRP receptor. Supporting this, preclinical experiments investigating symptoms associated with migraine showed that amylin treatment, like CGRP, caused cutaneous hypersensitivity and light aversion in mice.

INTERPRETATION

Our findings propose amylin receptor agonism as a novel contributor to migraine pathogenesis. Greater therapeutic gains could therefore be made for migraine patients through dual amylin and CGRP receptor antagonism, rather than selectively targeting the canonical CGRP receptor. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1157-1171.

Effect of Adrenomedullin on Migraine-Like Attacks in Patients With Migraine: A Randomized Crossover Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the IV infusion of adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilator belonging to calcitonin family of peptides, provokes attacks of migraine in patients.

METHODS

Twenty patients with migraine without aura participated in a placebo-controlled and double-blind clinical study. In a randomized crossover design, the patients received an IV infusion of human adrenomedullin (19.9 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (saline) administrated via an automated IV pump (20 minutes). The patients participated in 2 study days with a washout period of minimum of 7 days. The primary outcome of the study was predefined as a difference in migraine incidence (0-12 hours), and the secondary outcomes were the area under curve (AUC_0-12 hours) for the headache intensity score and AUC_{0-90 minutes} for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), flushing, and heart rate (HR).

RESULTS

Eleven patients with migraine without aura (55%) fulfilled migraine attacks criteria after adrenomedullin infusion compared to only 3 patients who reported attack (15%) after placebo (p = 0.039). We found that patients reported in a period of 0 to 12 hours stronger headache intensity after adrenomedullin compared to placebo infusion (p = 0.035). AUC_{0-90 minutes} value for HR and flushing (p < 0.05) was significant and for MAP (p = 0.502) remained unchanged. Common reported adverse events were facial flushing, heat sensation, and palpitation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data implicate adrenomedullin in migraine pathogenesis. This suggests that adrenomedullin or its receptors are novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of migraine. However, we cannot discount the possibility that adrenomedullin may be acting through the canonical calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04111484.

Effect of Adrenomedullin on Migraine-Like Attacks in Patients With Migraine: A Randomized Crossover Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether the IV infusion of adrenomedullin, a potent vasodilator belonging to calcitonin family of peptides, provokes attacks of migraine in patients.

METHODS

Twenty patients with migraine without aura participated in a placebo-controlled and double-blind clinical study. In a randomized crossover design, the patients received an IV infusion of human adrenomedullin (19.9 pmol/kg/min) or placebo (saline) administrated via an automated IV pump (20 minutes). The patients participated in 2 study days with a washout period of minimum of 7 days. The primary outcome of the study was predefined as a difference in migraine incidence (0-12 hours), and the secondary outcomes were the area under curve (AUC_0-12 hours) for the headache intensity score and AUC_{0-90 minutes} for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), flushing, and heart rate (HR).

RESULTS

Eleven patients with migraine without aura (55%) fulfilled migraine attacks criteria after adrenomedullin infusion compared to only 3 patients who reported attack (15%) after placebo (p = 0.039). We found that patients reported in a period of 0 to 12 hours stronger headache intensity after adrenomedullin compared to placebo infusion (p = 0.035). AUC_{0-90 minutes} value for HR and flushing (p < 0.05) was significant and for MAP (p = 0.502) remained unchanged. Common reported adverse events were facial flushing, heat sensation, and palpitation (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data implicate adrenomedullin in migraine pathogenesis. This suggests that adrenomedullin or its receptors are novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of migraine. However, we cannot discount the possibility that adrenomedullin may be acting through the canonical calcitonin gene-related peptide receptor.

TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04111484.

Investigation of sumatriptan and ketorolac trometamol in the human experimental model of headache

BACKGROUND

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP38) induces headache in healthy volunteers but the precise mechanisms by which PACAP38 leads to headache are unclear. We investigated the headache preventive effect of sumatriptan and ketorolac on PACAP38-induced headache in healthy volunteers. In addition, we explored contribution of vascular mechanisms to PACAP38-induced headache using high resolution magnetic resonance angiography.

METHODS

Thirty-four healthy volunteers were divided in two groups (A and B) and received infusion of PACAP38 (10 picomol/kg/min) over 20 min. Group A was pretreated with intravenous sumatriptan (4 mg) or ketorolac (30 mg) 20 min before infusion of PACAP38. Group B received infusion of sumatriptan or ketorolac as post-treatment 90 min after infusion of PACAP38. In both experiments, we used a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. We recorded headache characteristics and circumference of extra-intracerebral arteries.

RESULTS

We found no difference in AUC _{(0-6 h)} of PACAP38-induced headache in group A, pretreated with sumatriptan or ketorolac (p = 0.297). There was no difference between sumatriptan and ketorolac in PACAP38-induced circumference change (AUC_{Baseline-110 min}) of MMA (p = 0.227), STA (p = 0.795) and MCA (p = 0.356). In group B, post-treatment with ketorolac reduced PACAP38-headache compared to sumatriptan (p < 0.001). Post-treatment with sumatriptan significantly reduced the circumference of STA (p = 0.039) and MMA (p = 0.015) but not of MCA (p = 0.981) compared to ketorolac. In an explorative analysis, we found that pre-treatment with sumatriptan reduced PACAP38-induced headache compared to no treatment (AUC_0-90min).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-treatment with ketorolac was more effective in attenuating PACAP38-induced headache compared to sumatriptan. Ketorolac exerted its effect without affecting PACAP38-induced arterial dilation, whereas sumatriptan post-treatment attenuated PACAP38-induced dilation of MMA and STA. Pre-treatment with sumatriptan attenuated PACAP38-induced headache without affecting PACAP38-induced arterial dilation. Our findings suggest that ketorolac and sumatriptan attenuated PACAP38-induced headache in healthy volunteers without vascular effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03585894). Registered 13 July 2018.

Higher physiological vulnerability to hypoxic exposure with advancing age in the human brain

The aging brain is associated with atrophy along with functional and metabolic changes. In this study, we examined age-related changes in resting brain functions and the vulnerability of brain physiology to hypoxic exposure in humans in vivo. Brain functions were examined in 81 healthy humans (aged 18-62 years) by acquisitions of gray and white matter volumes, cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygen consumption, and concentrations of lactate, N-acetylaspartate, and glutamate+glutamine using magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy. We observed impaired cerebral blood flow reactivity in response to inhalation of hypoxic air (p = 0.029) with advancing age along with decreased cerebral oxygen consumption (p = 0.036), and increased lactate concentration (p = 0.009), indicating tissue hypoxia and impaired metabolism. Diminished resilience to hypoxia and consequently increased vulnerability to metabolic stress could be a key part of declining brain health with age. Furthermore, we observed increased resting cerebral lactate concentration with advancing age (p = 0.007), which might reflect inhibited brain clearance of waste products.

Effect of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-27 on cerebral hemodynamics in healthy volunteers: A 3T MRI study

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) has emerged as an important signaling peptide in migraine pathogenesis. Recently, we have shown that the less-abundant PACAP isoform, PACAP27, induced migraine and headache in patients equipotently to PACAP38. The present study examined the effect of PACAP27 on cerebral hemodynamics in healthy volunteers using high resolution magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Eighteen healthy volunteers received infusion of PACAP27 (10 pmol/kg/min) or placebo over 20 min and were scanned repeatedly in fixed intervals for 5 h in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. The circumference of extra-intracerebral arteries was measured and compared with PACAP38 data. We found significant dilation of middle meningeal artery (MMA) (p = 0.019), superficial temporal artery (p = 0.001) and external carotid artery (p = 0.039) after PACAP27 infusion compared to placebo. Whereas the middle cerebral artery (MCA) (p = 0.011) and internal carotid artery (ICA) (p_ICAcervical = 0.015, p_ICAcerebral = 0.019) were constricted. No effects on basilar artery (p = 0.708) and cavernous portion of ICA were found. Post hoc analyses revealed significant larger area under the curve for MMA after PACAP38 compared to PACAP27 (p = 0.033). We also found that PACAP27 induced headache in nine out of twelve (75%) volunteers and one (17%) after placebo. In conclusion, PACAP27 induced headache and dilated extracerebral arteries (>5 h) and slightly constricted MCA in healthy volunteers. Post hoc analysis of PACAP38 data compared with PACAP27 showed that PACAP isoforms dilates MMA with significantly different magnitude.

PACAP27 induces migraine-like attacks in migraine patients

Introduction

Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is found in two functional isoforms, namely PACAP38 and PACAP27. The migraine-inducing properties of PACAP38 are well studied. However, it is not known whether the lesser-known and under-studied protein isoform, PACAP27, can also induce migraine attacks. Here, we studied the effect of human PACAP27 infusion on induction of migraine in a provocation model.

Methods

In a crossover study, 20 migraine without aura patients were randomly assigned to receive human PACAP27 (10 picomol/kg/min) or saline (placebo) infusion over 20 min. We recorded the migraine and associated symptoms.

Results

All patients completed the study. PACAP27 provoked migraine-like attacks in 11 patients (55%) and two developed attacks after placebo (10%) ( p = 0.022). The headache intensity and duration after PACAP27 was significantly greater compared to placebo ( p = 0.003).

Conclusion

PACAP27 triggers migraine attacks without aura. These novel data strengthen the role of PACAP and its receptors in migraine pathogenesis.

Effect of hypoxia on BOLD fMRI response and total cerebral blood flow in migraine with aura patients

Experimentally induced hypoxia triggers migraine and aura attacks in patients suffering from migraine with aura (MA). We investigated the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal response to visual stimulation during hypoxia in MA patients and healthy volunteers. In a randomized double-blind crossover study design, 15 MA patients were allocated to 180 min of normobaric poikilocapnic hypoxia (capillary oxygen saturation 70-75%) or sham (normoxia) on two separate days and 14 healthy volunteers were exposed to hypoxia. The BOLD functional MRI (fMRI) signal response to visual stimulation was measured in the visual cortex ROIs V1-V5. Total cerebral blood flow (CBF) was calculated by measuring the blood velocity in the internal carotid arteries and the basilar artery using phase-contrast mapping (PCM) MRI. Hypoxia induced a greater decrease in BOLD response to visual stimulation in V1-V4 in MA patients compared to controls. There was no group difference in hypoxia-induced total CBF increase. In conclusion, the study demonstrated a greater hypoxia-induced decrease in BOLD response to visual stimulation in MA patients. We suggest this may represent a hypoxia-induced change in neuronal excitability or abnormal vascular response to visual stimulation, which may explain the increased sensibility to hypoxia in these patients leading to migraine attacks.

Carbon monoxide inhalation induces headache but no migraine in patients with migraine without aura

INTRODUCTION

Carbon monoxide is an endogenously produced signaling gasotransmitter known to cause headache and vasodilation. We hypothesized that inhalation of carbon monoxide would induce migraine-like attacks in migraine without aura patients.

METHODS

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 12 migraine patients were allocated to inhalation of carbon monoxide (carboxyhemoglobin 22%) or placebo on two separate days. Headache and migraine characteristics were recorded during hospital (0-2 hours) and post-hospital (2-13 hours) phases.

RESULTS

Six patients (50%) developed migraine-like attacks after carbon monoxide compared to two after placebo (16.7%) ( p = 0.289). The median time to onset of migraine-like attacks after carbon monoxide inhalation was 7.5 h (range 3-12) compared to 11.5 h (range 11-12) after placebo. Nine out of 12 patients (75%) developed prolonged headache after carbon monoxide. The area under the curve for headache score (0-13 hours) was increased after carbon monoxide compared with placebo ( p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

Carbon monoxide inhalation did not provoke more migraine-like attacks in migraine patients compared to placebo, but induced more headache in patients compared to placebo. These data suggest that non-toxic concentrations of carbon monoxide had low potency in migraine induction and that the carbon monoxide inhalation model is not suitable to study migraine.

Heterogenous migraine aura symptoms correlate with visual cortex functional magnetic resonance imaging responses

OBJECTIVE

Migraine aura is sparsely studied due to the highly challenging task of capturing patients during aura. Cortical spreading depression (CSD) is likely the underlying phenomenon of aura. The possible correlation between the multifaceted phenomenology of aura symptoms and the effects of CSD on the brain has not been ascertained.

METHODS

Five migraine patients were studied during various forms of aura symptoms induced by hypoxia, sham hypoxia, or physical exercise with concurrent photostimulation. The blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal response to visual stimulation was measured in retinotopic mapping-defined visual cortex areas V1 to V4.

RESULTS

We found reduced BOLD response in patients reporting scotoma and increased response in patients who only experienced positive symptoms. Furthermore, patients with bilateral visual symptoms had corresponding bihemispherical changes in BOLD response.

INTERPRETATION

These findings suggest that different aura symptoms reflect different types of cerebral dysfunction, which correspond to specific changes in BOLD signal reactivity. Furthermore, we provide evidence of bilateral CSD recorded by fMRI during bilateral aura symptoms. Ann Neurol 2017;82:925-939.

Carbon monoxide inhalation induces headache in a human headache model

Introduction

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenously produced signalling molecule that has a role in nociceptive processing and cerebral vasodilatation. We hypothesized that inhalation of CO would induce headache and vasodilation of cephalic and extracephalic arteries.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design, 12 healthy volunteers were allocated to inhalation of CO (carboxyhemoglobin 22%) or placebo on two separate days. Headache was scored on a verbal rating scale from 0–10. We recorded mean blood velocity in the middle cerebral artery (VMCA) by transcranial Doppler, diameter of the superficial temporal artery (STA) and radial artery (RA) by high-resolution ultrasonography and facial skin blood flow by laser speckle contrast imaging.

Results

Ten volunteers developed headache after CO compared to six after placebo. The area under the curve for headache (0–12 hours) was increased after CO compared with placebo ( p = 0.021). CO increased VMCA ( p = 0.002) and facial skin blood flow ( p = 0.012), but did not change the diameter of the STA ( p = 0.060) and RA ( p = 0.433).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study demonstrated that CO caused mild prolonged headache but no arterial dilatation in healthy volunteers. We suggest this may be caused by a combination of hypoxic and direct cellular effects of CO.

Hypoxic mechanisms in primary headaches

Background Hypoxia causes secondary headaches such as high-altitude headache (HAH) and headache due to acute mountain sickness. These secondary headaches mimic primary headaches such as migraine, which suggests a common link. We review and discuss the possible role of hypoxia in migraine and cluster headache. Methods This narrative review investigates the current level of knowledge on the relation of hypoxia in migraine and cluster headache based on epidemiological and experimental studies. Findings Epidemiological studies suggest that living in high-altitude areas increases the risk of migraine and especially migraine with aura. Human provocation models show that hypoxia provokes migraine with and without aura, whereas cluster headache has not been reliably induced by hypoxia. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms include hypoxia-induced release of nitric oxide and calcitonin gene-related peptide, cortical spreading depression and leakage of the blood-brain barrier. Conclusion There is a possible link between hypoxia and migraine and maybe cluster headache, but the exact mechanism is currently unknown. Provocation models of hypoxia have yielded interesting results suggesting a novel approach to study in depth the mechanism underlying hypoxia and primary headaches.

Evidence of a Christmas spirit network in the brain: functional MRI study

OBJECTIVE

To detect and localise the Christmas spirit in the human brain.

DESIGN

Single blinded, cross cultural group study with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

SETTING

Functional imaging unit and department of clinical physiology, nuclear medicine and PET in Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

10 healthy people from the Copenhagen area who routinely celebrate Christmas and 10 healthy people living in the same area who have no Christmas traditions.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Brain activation unique to the group with Christmas traditions during visual stimulation with images with a Christmas theme.

METHODS

Functional brain scans optimised for detection of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response were performed while participants viewed a series of images with Christmas themes interleaved with neutral images having similar characteristics but containing nothing that symbolises Christmas. After scanning, participants answered a questionnaire about their Christmas traditions and the associations they have with Christmas. Brain activation maps from scanning were analysed for Christmas related activation in the "Christmas" and "non-Christmas" groups individually. Subsequently, differences between the two groups were calculated to determine Christmas specific brain activation.

RESULTS

Significant clusters of increased BOLD activation in the sensory motor cortex, the premotor and primary motor cortex, and the parietal lobule (inferior and superior) were found in scans of people who celebrate Christmas with positive associations compared with scans in a group having no Christmas traditions and neutral associations. These cerebral areas have been associated with spirituality, somatic senses, and recognition of facial emotion among many other functions.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a "Christmas spirit network" in the human brain comprising several cortical areas. This network had a significantly higher activation in a people who celebrate Christmas with positive associations as opposed to a people who have no Christmas traditions and neutral associations. Further research is necessary to understand this and other potential holiday circuits in the brain. Although merry and intriguing, these findings should be interpreted with caution.

[Effect of acyclovir and steroid in a young immunocompetent male with herpes zoster myelitis]

Herpes zoster myelitis is a rare condition, usually seen in aged and immunocompromised patients. Due to atypical presen-tations it can be hard to diagnose. Intraspinal lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) support the diagnosis. We present a 39-year-old otherwise healthy male with symptoms of viral meningitis and rapidly progressing symptoms of myelitis. Lumbar puncture showed increased levels of monocytes and varicella zoster virus DNA. Despite a negative MRI, based on a few previous case reports and because of lack of progress on antiviral treatment, treatment with steroids was established early, recovering the patient dramatically. This supports that a combination of antiviral treatment and steroids may be a more efficient treatment of zoster myelitis and reminds us that the diagnosis cannot be excluded by a negative MRI.

Migraine without aura is not associated with incomplete circle of Willis: a case-control study using high-resolution magnetic resonance angiography

Background

The circle of Willis is an important source of collateral blood flow to maintain adequate cerebral perfusion, particularly in the posterior circulation. Some studies report a relationship between incomplete circle of Willis and migraine, whereas other studies show no difference between the prevalence of incomplete circle of Willis in migraineurs and controls. In the present study we compared the prevalence of incomplete circle of Willis in female migraine patients without aura to female healthy non-migraine controls.

Using 3-Tesla magnetic resonance angiography we recorded three-dimensional time-of-flight angiograms in 85 female participants (48 migraine patients without aura [median age 28 years] and 37 healthy controls [median age 25 years]). The images were subsequently analysed blindly by a neuroradiologist to detect incomplete circle of Willis.

Findings

We found no difference between the prevalence of incomplete circle of Willis in patients, 20/47 (43%), and controls, 15/37 (41%), p = 0.252. Post hoc analysis showed a significant relationship between age and prevalence of incomplete circle of Willis, p = 0.003.

Conclusion

We found no relationship between migraine without aura and incomplete circle of Willis.

Carbon monoxide may be an important molecule in migraine and other headaches

Introduction

Carbon monoxide was previously considered to just be a toxic gas. A wealth of recent information has, however, shown that it is also an important endogenously produced signalling molecule involved in multiple biological processes. Endogenously produced carbon monoxide may thus play an important role in nociceptive processing and in regulation of cerebral arterial tone.

Discussion

Carbon monoxide-induced headache shares many characteristics with migraine and other headaches. The mechanisms whereby carbon monoxide causes headache may include hypoxia, nitric oxide signalling and activation of cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathways. Here, we review the literature about carbon monoxide-induced headache and its possible mechanisms.

Conclusion

We suggest, for the first time, that carbon monoxide may play an important role in the mechanisms of migraine and other headaches.

Measurement precision and biological variation of cranial arteries using automated analysis of 3 T magnetic resonance angiography

Background

Non-invasive magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) has facilitated repeated measurements of human cranial arteries in several headache and migraine studies. To ensure comparability across studies the same automated analysis software has been used, but the intra- and interobserver, day-to-day and side-to-side variations have not yet been published. We hypothesised that the observer related, side-to-side, and day-to-day variations would be less than 10%.

Methods

Ten female participants were studied using high-resolution MRA on two study days separated by at least one week. Using the automated LKEB-MRA vessel wall analysis software arterial circumferences were measured by blinded observers. Each artery was analysed twice by each of the two different observers. The primary endpoints were to determine the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and intra- an inter-observer, the day-to-day, and side-to-side variations of the circumference of the middle meningeal (MMA) and middle cerebral (MCA) arteries.

Results

We found an excellent intra- and interobserver agreement for the MMA (ICC: 0.909-0.987) and for the MCA (ICC: 0.876-0.949). The coefficient of variance within observers was ≤1.8% for MMA and ≤3.1% for MCA; between observers ≤3.4% (MMA) and ≤4.1% (MCA); between days ≤6.0% (MMA) and ≤8.0% (MCA); between sides ≤9.4% (MMA) and ≤6.5% (MCA).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates a low (<5%) inter- and intraobserver variation using the automated LKEB-MRA vessel wall analysis software. Furthermore, the study also suggests that the day-to-day and side-to-side variations of the MMA and MCA circumferences are less than 10%.

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide has impaired effect on abdominal, subcutaneous adipose tissue metabolism in obese subjects

OBJECTIVE

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) appears to have a role in lipid metabolism. Recently, we showed that GIP in combination with hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia increases triglyceride uptake in abdominal, subcutaneous adipose tissue in lean humans. It has been suggested that increased GIP secretion in obesity will promote lipid deposition in adipose tissue. In light of the current attempts to employ GIP antagonists in the treatment and prevention of human obesity, the present experiments were performed in order to elucidate whether the adipose tissue lipid metabolism would be enhanced or blunted during a GIP, hyperinsulinemic and hyperglycemic (HI-HG) clamp in obese subjects with either normal glucose tolerance (NGT) or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT).

DESIGN

Sixteen obese (BMI>30 kg m(-2)) subjects were divided into two groups, based on their plasma glucose response to an oral glucose challenge: (i) NGT and (ii) IGT. Abdominal, subcutaneous adipose tissue lipid metabolism was studied by conducting measurements of arteriovenous concentrations of metabolites and regional adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF) during GIP (1.5 pmol kg(-1) min(-1)) in combination with a HI-HG clamp.

RESULTS

In both groups, ATBF responses were significantly lower than what we have found previously in healthy, lean subjects (P<0.0001). The flow response was significantly lower in the IGT group than in the NGT group (P=0.03). It was not possible to show any increase in the lipid deposition in adipose tissue under the applied experimental conditions and likewise the circulating triglyceride (TAG) concentrations remained constant.

CONCLUSION

The applied GIP, HI-HG clamp did not induce any changes in TAG uptake in adipose tissue in obese subjects. This may be due to a blunted increase in ATBF. These experiments therefore suggest that GIP does not have a major role in postprandial lipid metabolism in obese subjects.

Reduced adipose tissue lymphatic drainage of macromolecules in obese subjects: a possible link between obesity and local tissue inflammation?

The aim of this study was to investigate subcutaneous adipose tissue lymphatic drainage (ATLD) of macromolecules in lean and obese subjects and, furthermore, to evaluate whether ATLD may change in parallel with adipose tissue blood flow. Lean and obese male subjects were studied before and after an oral glucose load. Adipose-tissue blood flow was measured in the anterior subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue by the (133)Xe-washout technique. ATLD was measured as the disappearance rate of (99m)Tc-labelled nanoaggregated human albumin, during fasting and after an oral glucose load. A significant increase in ATLD was seen after the glucose load in the lean subjects. In the obese subjects, ATLD remained constant throughout the study and was significantly lower compared to the lean subjects. These results indicate a reduced ability to remove macromolecules from the interstitial space through the lymphatic system in obese subjects. Furthermore, they suggest that postprandial changes in ATLD taking place in lean subjects are not observed in obese subjects. This may have a role in the development of obesity-related inflammation in hypertrophic adipose tissue.