Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice

Abstract Background Post-traumatic headache (PTH) can develop following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion. It is especially common among active-duty military personnel, Veterans, and athletes. The high prevalence and chronic nature of PTH highlight the importance of studying...

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Main Authors: Anne-Sophie Wattiez, Adisa Kuburas, William C. Castonguay, Kim Fejgin, Ib V. Klewe, Andrew F. Russo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:The Journal of Headache and Pain
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-025-02108-x
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author Anne-Sophie Wattiez
Adisa Kuburas
William C. Castonguay
Kim Fejgin
Ib V. Klewe
Andrew F. Russo
author_facet Anne-Sophie Wattiez
Adisa Kuburas
William C. Castonguay
Kim Fejgin
Ib V. Klewe
Andrew F. Russo
author_sort Anne-Sophie Wattiez
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Post-traumatic headache (PTH) can develop following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion. It is especially common among active-duty military personnel, Veterans, and athletes. The high prevalence and chronic nature of PTH highlight the importance of studying these conditions in animal models to develop new, effective treatments. Since the symptoms associated with PTH resemble those of migraine, we focused on the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a potential therapeutic target. Methods We used a mouse model of mTBI involving three repeated closed head impacts to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that blocks CGRP. To validate the model, we first assessed and optimized the development of periorbital and plantar tactile hypersensitivity in outbred CD1 mice. We then tested these responses after intraperitoneal injection of two migraine triggers: CGRP and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor. Then, we assessed the efficacy of the anti-CGRP mAb using different administration paradigms. Results Early administration of an anti-CGRP mAb before induction of TBI did not fully prevent the initial transient periorbital tactile hypersensitivity observed following multiple closed head injuries. However, the mAb did partially reduce persistent periorbital tactile hypersensitivity to a sub-threshold trigger. Administration of the mAb immediately after the injuries was also able to partially reduce persistent hypersensitivity. Importantly, injection of the anti-CGRP mAb 24 h prior to injection of a sub-threshold dose of CGRP or SNP fully prevented periorbital hypersensitivity to these triggers during the persistent sensitivity phase. Conclusions These results indicate that an anti-CGRP mAb can partially, but not fully, attenuate cephalic tactile hypersensitivity when administered immediately before or after the mTBI event. In contrast, a stronger rescue was seen when the anti-CGRP mAb was administered just prior to CGRP and nitric oxide triggers. Thus, depending on the timing of administration, the anti-CGRP mAb can block persistent sensitization to headache triggers after mTBI.
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spelling doaj-art-5e5029f24f8d49afbd30d8d9a55d61d12025-08-20T03:43:10ZengBMCThe Journal of Headache and Pain1129-23772025-08-0126111810.1186/s10194-025-02108-xPretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in miceAnne-Sophie Wattiez0Adisa Kuburas1William C. Castonguay2Kim Fejgin3Ib V. Klewe4Andrew F. Russo5Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaH. Lundbeck A/S, Research DKH. Lundbeck A/S, Research DKDepartment of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of IowaAbstract Background Post-traumatic headache (PTH) can develop following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), such as a concussion. It is especially common among active-duty military personnel, Veterans, and athletes. The high prevalence and chronic nature of PTH highlight the importance of studying these conditions in animal models to develop new, effective treatments. Since the symptoms associated with PTH resemble those of migraine, we focused on the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) as a potential therapeutic target. Methods We used a mouse model of mTBI involving three repeated closed head impacts to assess the therapeutic efficacy of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that blocks CGRP. To validate the model, we first assessed and optimized the development of periorbital and plantar tactile hypersensitivity in outbred CD1 mice. We then tested these responses after intraperitoneal injection of two migraine triggers: CGRP and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a nitric oxide donor. Then, we assessed the efficacy of the anti-CGRP mAb using different administration paradigms. Results Early administration of an anti-CGRP mAb before induction of TBI did not fully prevent the initial transient periorbital tactile hypersensitivity observed following multiple closed head injuries. However, the mAb did partially reduce persistent periorbital tactile hypersensitivity to a sub-threshold trigger. Administration of the mAb immediately after the injuries was also able to partially reduce persistent hypersensitivity. Importantly, injection of the anti-CGRP mAb 24 h prior to injection of a sub-threshold dose of CGRP or SNP fully prevented periorbital hypersensitivity to these triggers during the persistent sensitivity phase. Conclusions These results indicate that an anti-CGRP mAb can partially, but not fully, attenuate cephalic tactile hypersensitivity when administered immediately before or after the mTBI event. In contrast, a stronger rescue was seen when the anti-CGRP mAb was administered just prior to CGRP and nitric oxide triggers. Thus, depending on the timing of administration, the anti-CGRP mAb can block persistent sensitization to headache triggers after mTBI.https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-025-02108-xTraumatic brain injuryPost-traumatic headacheCalcitonin gene-related peptideMonoclonal antibody
spellingShingle Anne-Sophie Wattiez
Adisa Kuburas
William C. Castonguay
Kim Fejgin
Ib V. Klewe
Andrew F. Russo
Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
The Journal of Headache and Pain
Traumatic brain injury
Post-traumatic headache
Calcitonin gene-related peptide
Monoclonal antibody
title Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
title_full Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
title_fullStr Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
title_full_unstemmed Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
title_short Pretreatment with an anti-CGRP monoclonal antibody attenuates mild TBI-induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
title_sort pretreatment with an anti cgrp monoclonal antibody attenuates mild tbi induced tactile hypersensitivity in mice
topic Traumatic brain injury
Post-traumatic headache
Calcitonin gene-related peptide
Monoclonal antibody
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-025-02108-x
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AT williamccastonguay pretreatmentwithananticgrpmonoclonalantibodyattenuatesmildtbiinducedtactilehypersensitivityinmice
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