A systematic review of preclinical studies depicted that adenosine receptors may modulate pain transmission via trigeminovascular system in migraine patients. Janu Thuraiaiyah et al. aimed to explore the implication of adenosine signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of migraine.

 EMBASE and PubMed were explored for eligible studies. Screening of 2510 studies was done. A total of 13 pre-clinical studies determining adenosine, adenosine A1, A2A and A3 receptors were incorporated.

The adenosine signaling pathway is implicated to control the vascular tone. Additionally, the expression of adenosine A2A and A1 receptors in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis and trigeminal ganglion is modulated by the electrical stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion, which is further involved in the adenosine signaling pathway in the transmission of pain.

Therefore, adenosine A2A receptor and adenosine A1 receptor may be plausible targets for migraine treatment. More studies are required to explicate the role of adenosine receptors as a potential target for the treatment of migraine.