Hi

Vitamin-D seems to be the new wonder drug. Maybe there is a connection between CH and vitamin-D deficient. :o The recommendations from vitamin-D researchers says that the optimum level of vitamin-D should be between 50-80 ng/ml . So my question is:

How many CH sufferers have a blood level between 50-80 ng/ml?  ::)

Best
D3

Abstract
Despite a growing body of evidence that Vitamin D is involved in mammalian brain functioning, there has been a lack of direct evidence about its role in the human brain. This paper reports, for the first time, the distribution of the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 receptor (VDR), and 1α-hydroxylase (1α-OHase), the enzyme responsible for the formation of the active vitamin in the human brain. The receptor and the enzyme were found in both neurons and glial cells in a regional and layer-specific pattern. The VDR was restricted to the nucleus whilst 1α-OHase was distributed throughout the cytoplasm. The distribution of the VDR in human brain was strikingly similar to that reported in rodents. Many regions contained equivalent amounts of both the VDR and 1α-OHase, however the macrocellular cells within the nucleus basalis of Meynert (NBM) and the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum expressed 1α-OHase in the absence of VDR. The strongest immunohistochemical staining for both the receptor and enzyme was in the hypothalamus and in the large (presumably dopaminergic) neurons within the substantia nigra. The observed distribution of the VDR is consistent with the proposal that Vitamin D operates in a similar fashion to the known neurosteroids. The widespread distribution of 1α-OHase and the VDR suggests that Vitamin D may have autocrine/paracrine properties in the human brain.  :o

Best
D3

Distribution of vitamin D binding protein expressing neurons in the rat hypothalamus.
Jirikowski GF, Kauntzer UW, Dief Ael E, Caldwell JD.

Department of Anatomy II, Friedrich Schiller Universität Jena, PF, Jena, Germany. gjir@mti.uni-jena.de

We observed immunostaining for vitamin D binding protein (DBP) in rat hypothalamus. Part of the supraoptic and of the paraventricular neurons showed DBP immunoreactivity, in part colocalized with Arg-vasopressin. DBP was also observed in widespread axonal projections throughout the lateral hypothalamus, the median eminence and the posterior pituitary lobe. A portion of ependymal cells, the choroids plexus epithelium and some of the endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary lobe contained DBP immunoreactivity. In situ hybridization of semithin sections with a synthetic oligonucleotide probe to DBP mRNA resulted in staining of magnocellular hypothalamic neurons, but not of ependymal cells or anterior lobe cells. Our observations indicate an intrinsic expression of DBP in the rat hypothalamus. DBP may be synthesized and transported along with the classical neurohypophyseal hormones. The multiple locations of DBP-expressing neurons indicate multiple functional properties: DBP may be released from in the posterior lobe, it may act as a hypophyseotropic factor and as a central neuroactive substance.

Arthritis Res Ther. 2009;11(2):218. Epub 2009 Apr 6.

Insights into endocrine-immunological disturbances in autoimmunity and their impact on treatment.
Cutolo M, Straub RH.

Research Laboratories and Clinical Academic Unit of Rheumatology, University of Genova Italy, Genova, Italy. mcutolo@unige.it

The neuroendocrine immune (NEI) system is regarded as a fundamental network for the maintenance of health status (homeostasis), and it plays an important role in several systemic diseases, including autoimmune disorders. Among the major players of NEI pathways are steroid hormones of the adrenal (cortisol) and gonadal glands (sex hormones), neurohormones such as melatonin, and more recently the vitamin D endocrine system. Estrogens, melatonin and chronic stress (inducing decreased adrenal glucocorticoid release over a long time) strongly modulate the NEI system and stimulate the immune response. The vitamin D endocrine system is regarded as a potential immunosuppressive factor. Consequently, estrogens (especially in patients affected by B-cell-driven immunity) and melatonin should be avoided, and glucocorticoids (as replacement therapy) and vitamin D are allowed in the treatment of autoimmunity.

PMID: 19435479 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Interesting, I have huge doses of vitamin d daily (prescribed) (calciferol and alfacalcidol)and vitamin D in oil injections monthly (cholecalciferol). I have other rubbish going on bar CH.

My vitamin D levels are still pitiful in spite of allegedly toxic doses!

Hi Niels.

    Potter

Neurosteroid hormone vitamin D and its utility in clinical nutrition.
Kalueff AV, Tuohimaa P.

Medical School, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland. avkalueff@inbox.ru

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone with multiple functions in the nervous system. We discuss clinical and experimental evidence of the role of vitamin D in normal and pathological brain functions, and analyze the relative importance of vitamin D-modulated brain mechanisms at different stages of life. We also outline perspectives for the use of vitamin D in clinical nutrition to prevent or treat various brain disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Numerous brain dysfunctions are linked to vitamin D deficits and/or dysfunctions of its receptors. In both animals and humans, vitamin D serves as an important endogenous and/or exogenous regulator of neuroprotection, antiepileptic and anticalcification effects, neuro-immunomodulation, interplay with neurotransmitters and hormones, modulation of behaviors, brain ageing, and some other, less-explored, brain processes. SUMMARY: Vitamin D emerges as an important neurosteroid hormone in the brain, with a strong potential for age-specific applications in clinical nutrition.

PMID: 17143049 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Résumé / Abstract
Objective.-To measure plasma and platelet levels of dopamine in patients with migraine with aura, migraine without aura, and cluster headache. Background.-Clinical, genetic, and pharmacological evidences suggest that an abnormality of dopaminergic system plays a role in migraine pathogenesis. Direct evidence of an abnormal metabolism of dopamine in migraine, however, is lacking. Methods.-Plasma and platelet levels of dopamine were measured in patients with migraine with aura or migraine without aura during headache-free periods and in patients with cluster headache during the remission and active periods, as compared with healthy control subjects, using a multichannel electrochemical high-performance liquid chromatography system. Results.-Plasma levels of dopamine were not detectable with our methodology. Platelet levels of dopamine were higher in both types of migraine (migraine without aura = .20 ± .17 ng/108 platelets; migraine with aura = .16 ± .19 ng/108 platelets) than in control subjects (.10 ± .11 ng/108 platelets), although in migraine with aura patients the difference was not significant. Patients with cluster headache showed the highest levels of platelet dopamine (.34 ± .36 ng/108 platelets). Conclusions.-Our results support the hypothesis that the dopaminergic system is impaired in migraine and cluster headache and suggest that high platelet levels of dopamine may represent an abnormal biochemical phenotypic trait of these primary headaches.


Received 23 April 2009;  revised 19 May 2009;  accepted 27 May 2009.  Available online 8 June 2009.

Abstract
There is growing evidence that low vitamin D impacts adversely on brain development. The current study investigated the impact of developmental vitamin D (DVD) deficiency on dopamine and serotonin metabolism in the neonatal rat brain. DVD-deficiency resulted in an altered dopaminergic metabolic profile in the forebrain, with a decrease in the conversion of dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) to homovanillic acid (HVA). Correspondingly, expression of the enzyme required for this conversion, catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), was decreased. These results suggest that DVD-deficiency influences dopamine turnover during development.

This is interesting....although I don't understand most of what the research is saying, I do know that the Dr. I work for is suggesting quite a lot of D3 for our immune system....especially these day with the H1N1 going around.  She actually suggests taking 50,000 units for 3 days if you seem to be coming down with something and then go back down to just 5000 units or so.  It has helped tremendously with a cold I was starting to get.

I am hoping against hope that it will do something with these darm Clusters.  I will keep up the D and we'll see next year.

Merry Christmas to you all!  and a pain free New Year!

Karen

Hi Karen

If you keep up the 5000 IU, I think you will get rid of CH.  ;)

Best
D3

[smiley=deadhorse1.gif] [smiley=deadhorse2.gif] [smiley=deadhorse3.gif] [smiley=deadhorse4.gif]

Niels you deserve the four horsemen for persistence.

           Potter

Niels wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 3:18pm:

If you keep up the 5000 IU, I think you will get rid of CH.

A very bold prediction.

Niels wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 3:18pm:

Hi Karen If you keep up the 5000 IU, I think you will get rid of CH.  ;) Best D3

And,  in your opinion how long will it take to stop my CH's if I stay at 5000 units?

Marc

They quit when you die.

Jerry

Niels wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 3:18pm:

Hi Karen If you keep up the 5000 IU, I think you will get rid of CH.  ;) Best D3

I take over 60,000iu in sublingual drops each day. I also have calciferol gel capsules three times daily and ergocalciferol intramuscular injections which has been monthly but is now going to three monthly.

I'm still getting hit.

I'm not saying it isn't worth a try but I AM saying it is NOT a cure.

Quote:

I'm still getting hit. I'm not saying it isn't worth a try but I AM saying it is NOT a cure.

Sorry to hear that. But your D-level is still low. When you are between 50-80 ng/ml (125-200 nmol/l) the Vitamin-D3 will start to work. So I AM saying it is a cure.  ;)

Potter wrote on Dec 9^th, 2009 at 5:43pm:

Hi Niels.     Potter

Thought this from the beginning...that is why I hadn't responded.  Very deceiving....

Quote:

And,  in your opinion how long will it take to stop my CH's if I stay at 5000 units? Marc

I don't know how long time it will take, maybe up to a year??? I’m in contact with 2 CH sufferers. They both have taken 140 ug D3 vitamins for 4 months. They still have some hits, but with much lower pain.

Best
D3

Quote:

So I AM saying it is a cure.

You had better be prepared to back that up, bub. The "c" word is not used lightly around here. If you fail to back it up, you will have it stuck up your backside.

Just so you know. And your test group of 2 ain't gonna cut it.

Brew wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 4:53pm:

Quote: So I AM saying it is a cure. You had better be prepared to back that up, bub. The "c" word is not used lightly around here. If you fail to back it up, you will have it stuck up your backside. Just so you know. And your test group of 2 ain't gonna cut it.

We have already been through this with him until he quit and then came back with a disguised name (If you consider D3 to be incognito)!

Joni wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 4:59pm:

Brew wrote on Dec 10th, 2009 at 4:53pm: Quote: So I AM saying it is a cure. You had better be prepared to back that up, bub. The "c" word is not used lightly around here. If you fail to back it up, you will have it stuck up your backside. Just so you know. And your test group of 2 ain't gonna cut it. We have already been through this with him until he quit and then came back with a disguised name (If you consider D3 to be incognito)!

O.K. Thank you, Joni. I can turn my back just like the rest of the village.

I've been back and read all the posts on this again

There is possibly a link. I've never totally discounted tin foil hats either.. but at best it's tenuous and unproven and it is NOT a cure.

You have been told on countless occasions not to bandy that word about. There are truly desperate people who come looking here and they do NOT need to read false statements.

You may post that you have found something that has worked for you and seems to be reducing hits for two other people.

You may not post a load of unsubstantiated speculation about what causes CH when the worlds leading experts will freely tell you they don't know with 100% clarity.

If I see the word cure again I will lock this thread.

Helen

The people who come to this site are in pain.  Sometimes scared and willing to believe anything that promises an escape from their pain.  It is just wrong to claim to have the cure to an incurable condition. 

When I was a teen, I saw a preacher on television.  He looked right into that camera and said that if one just believed and gave his or her ailment to God, He would cure it.  You really had to believe though, and of course, a donation to their ministry would help. 

I believed and prayed and prayed that my headaches would go away.  After a while they did!   You can imagine my elation!! You can also imagine my disappointment when they came back. 

It's not the same thing, but the point that I'm trying to make is that something may appear to work do to remission or even just the way CH changes from year to year.  You can't go making statements that boast of a cure around here.   If it were THAT easy, don't you think it would have been explored by now?  It's okay to share what has helped you or others.  But with this condition, what helps one may be ineffective for someone else.  So, pleased be careful in offering your cure.

Jeannie

Quote:

You can also imagine my disappointment when they came back.

Maybe it's because you stopped taking your vitamins, Jeannie!

Hi Brew

My only purpose here is to help people with CH, nothing else. I'm saying that vitamin-D is the cure because it is. Believe it or not. I’m using the cure word because it's a cure. Try to read the research articles again. Can't you see the connection?  ::) I will be glad to help you if you don’t understand the context. Just send me a message

Niels wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 5:13pm:

My only purpose here is to help people with CH, nothing else. I'm saying that vitamin-D is the cure because it is. Believe it or not. I’m using the cure word because it's a cure. Try to read the research articles again. Can't you see the connection?  ::) I will be glad to help you if you don’t understand the context. Just send me a message

I would say this is direct defiance!

Lock it down, Helen. This guy just doesn't get it. At the very least he doesn't understand the very definition of the word science.

Niels wrote on Dec 10^th, 2009 at 4:39pm:

Quote: And,  in your opinion how long will it take to stop my CH's if I stay at 5000 units? Marc I don't know how long time it will take, maybe up to a year??? I’m in contact with 2 CH sufferers. They both have taken 140 ug D3 vitamins for 4 months. They still have some hits, but with much lower pain. Best D3

Niels,

I've read much of the info you have presented - this time and last. I can see the connection in theory.

When you say that you know that it will make my CH go away, I am reminded of so many other wild unsubstantiated claims that we have seen here for the past 10+ years. People come here often with their "cure" only to return at a later time with: "Never mind."

Could you explain what your motivation is? Wanting to help others is a noble cause, but you appear to be driven by something else.

Throwing more theory at us does not strengthen your position. Proof of success for many people over long time periods is a different thing all together.

Marc