Effects of endurance exercise on serum concentration of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP): A potential link between exercise intensity and headache

Abstract Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a powerful neuropeptide that is strongly involved in headache pain pathogenesis by triggering vasodilation, mast cell degranulation and neurogenic inflammation. This evidence has prompted us to investigate the acute influence of endurance exercise on CGRP concentration in blood. Methods The study population consisted of 48 male amateur runners, who ran a half-marathon distance at 75%–85% of maximal oxygen uptake. Blood was drawn before the run (pre-run) and immediately after each runner ended his trial (post-run). The serum concentration of CGRP was measured with a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. R…