Towards zebrafish models of migraine.

Abstract

Second among global disability causes, migraine is a severely debilitating neurological disorder that affects over 1 billion people. Recognized clinically for millennia, migraine exhibits complex multifactorial pathogenesis, whose mechanisms, risk factors, and therapy remain poorly understood. This also necessitates robust animal models that recapitulate this disorder. Complementing rodent models, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a commonly used organism in neuroscience research. Can these fish be used to study pathophysiology of migraine? Here, we discuss the developing utility of these fish for modeling migraine-like conditions and the potential for high-throughput pharmacological testing of its therapies. Critically evaluating the existing challenges of modeling migraine in zebrafish, we also outline potential future lines of research in this field.