Effects of URB937 on an animal model of migraine pain

Several studies have suggested the existence of interactions between the endocannabinoids and migraine. URB937, a FAAH inhibitor specific to peripheral tissues, causes analgesia in animal models of pain [1]. In this study, we evaluated whether the URB937 administration may alter nociceptive responses in an animal model of migraine based on nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced hyperalgesia [2]. Rats received systemic NTG and URB937 before being evaluated at the Tail flick test or at the Formalin test. The findings show that URB937 did inhibit NTG-induced hyperalgesia at the Formalin test with only a minimal influence on the hyperalgesia at the Tail flick. The data suggest that availability of anandamide probably at the meningeal level is effective in the migraine pain.