Cytokines and migraine: Increase of IL-5 and IL-4 plasma levels

Thirty-two patients suffering from migraine without aura were assessed during the interictal period to evaluate the contribution of cytokines to the pathophysiology of migraine. To this end, plasma levels of IFN-gamma. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Plasma levels of both IFN-gamma and IL-10 were not increased in the patients and did not differ significantly from healthy controls. Of interest, we observed a strong increase of IL-5 levels in 84.3% as well as increased IL-4 levels in 37.5% of patients with migraine without aura. These results suggest a preferential enhancement of some Th2-type cytokines, and may support the growing arguments of an immunoallergic mechanism in the pathophysiology of migraine.