julyn wrote on Dec 10^th, 2010 at 5:23pm:


I just want to know where you are getting your information from.

Over the years, lithium has been shown to act principally on two targets in the brain. It is known to inhibit enzymes that maintain a signaling pathway from the cell membrane. And it inhibits an enzyme called glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3), which is important in the cell's response to many signaling molecules. But, whether these targets are important for the therapeutic effects of lithium has been unclear.

Verapamil is classified as a calcium channel blocker.  It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart and slows electrical activity in the heart to control the heart rate.

Topamax is an anticonvulsant.  It works by decreasing the electrical activity in the brain.

Which one of these remove blockages?

BTW, upping the fiber in your diet is also a good way to remove blockages.

Ok Sorry;

Verapamil
These effects are mediated by inhibition of calcium ion influx into smooth muscle cells of the arteriolar wall.

Proton magnetic resonance studies have been utilized to demonstrate calcium binding to a neutral polypeptide containing only peptide functional groups,

Lithium
was first used in the nineteenth century as a treatment for gout after scientists discovered that, at least in the laboratory, lithium could dissolve uric acid crystals isolated from the kidneys.
Uric acid is more toxic to tissues than either xanthine or hypoxanthine

Topamax
Cholesterol and plaque contribute to clogging arteries which will reduce blood flow. 

Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid drug that is particularly effective as an immunosuppressant drug. It is used to treat certain inflammatory diseases.


Blockages.

Maybe there are even more that they don't know about?They obviously don't know everything.

Ok you say hypothalmus I think the brain stem deserves some investigation;
In vertebrate anatomy the brainstem (or brain stem) is the posterior part of the brain, adjoining and structurally continuous with the spinal cord. The brain stem provides the main motor and sensory innervation to the face and neck via the cranial nerves. Though small, this is an extremely important part of the brain as the nerve connections of the motor and sensory systems from the main part of the brain to the rest of the body pass through the brain stem. This includes the corticospinal tract (motor), the posterior column-medial lemniscus pathway (fine touch, vibration sensation and proprioception) and the spinothalamic tract (pain, temperature, itch and crude touch). The brain stem also plays an important role in the regulation of cardiac and respiratory function. It also regulates the central nervous system, and is pivotal in maintaining consciousness and regulating the sleep cycle.

julyn wrote on Dec 11^th, 2010 at 5:50pm:

  This is pointless.   I'm out.

             Potter

julyn wrote on Dec 11^th, 2010 at 5:50pm:

First I would note that :
Arteriolar vasodilators are substances that preferentially dilate arterioles. When used on people with certain heart conditions, it causes a phenomenon known as the cardiac steal syndrome.

Arteriolar vasodilators include:

    * hydralazine
    * minoxidil
    * nitroprusside

Which is not what a CH'er wants or needs we need vasoconstrictors such as O2, and this suggests there is no blockage/constriction but one is needed.

Did you actually mean to say arteriole?


If Verapamil acts as a calcium blocker...
Where is the  blockage prior to the introduction of the Calcium blocker Verapamil?  The need for a Calcium blocker would suggest there is no blockage there or that one is needed.

julyn wrote on Dec 11^th, 2010 at 5:50pm:

An unrelated proposed mechanism of action put forth at the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 posits that lithium ion deactivates the GSK-3B enzyme. The regulation of GSK-3B by lithium may affect the circadian clock, and recent research (Feb 2006) seems to support this conclusion. When GSK-3B is activated, the protein Bmal1 is unable to reset the "master clock" inside the brain; as a result, the body's natural cycle is disrupted. When the cycle is disrupted, the routine schedules of many functions (metabolism, sleep, body temperature) are disturbed. Lithium may thus restore normal brain function after it is disrupted in some people. The complete mechanism related to mood in this mechanism is not hypothesized.

And then there is this:
Lithium carbonate has been found to be effective in treating chronic cluster headaches, possibly due to its ability to its impact on the electrical system within the brain.

Again per the Bold areas if Lithium is doing the Blocking/deactivating where is the prior blockage?

I could go on but after fighting two CH hits already today I am worn out!!

I will however leave you with this Julyn

Cluster headaches have been classified as vascular headaches. The intense pain is caused by the dilation of blood vessels which creates pressure on the trigeminal nerve. While this process is the immediate cause of the pain, the etiology (underlying cause or causes) is not fully understood.

Dilation indicates WIDENING/OPENING not blockage or closing.

Verapamil I suspect works more in the way of its ability to stabilize nerve impusle signals with calcium ion channels wich in turn reduce the signals to the vessels the heart etc... A beta blocker.

Prednisone works not only as an anti infammatory but in its ability to overcome or even render useless immune system responses.

We all have a way to overstate what any drug does and truth be known, some of these, no one knows what they really do its just speculation. Seem to work for some though is how it goes.

Like was said earlier in this thread the one commonality between us all is CH. and as the Aussie Brian says stunning good looks.

AussieBrian wrote on Dec 11^th, 2010 at 6:10pm:


I heart Aussies.

Clusterbabes.com
HMmmmmm

Quote:



And I'm sure you can think of many other possible causes you might smugly say we can't prove wrong.  Also can't disprove it's caused by aliens from a star system in the constellation Taurus.  Perhaps someday you can prove it wrong.


If your banquet of food for thought is pot luck, I brought a dish.

Quote:


Now there's a thought for a calendar, all proceeds to ch.com.

(I'll start by auctioning tickets to the change rooms.)

Quote:

  I'll tell your wife.

          Potter

Linda_Howell wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 3:12pm:

I see you've met John.

      Potter

Potter wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 3:21pm:

I'm 5'3" if that makes me Tall ... How tall is she???   

Actually I was referring to myself.  I am 5 ft.  tall when I'm stretching.

As far as the calendar...I did that a few years back to give to all the women at whatever convention we were at.  It was "cluster hunks" though.  DJ was Mr. July.