Ex vivo stimulation of the trigeminal nucleus caudalis induces peripheral CGRP release in the trigeminal ganglion and reveals a distinct dopamine–endocannabinoid mechanism relevant to migraine

Abstract Background: Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) release from trigeminal structures is central to migraine pathophysiology. This study employed an ex vivo model preserving anatomical continuity between the trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) and trigeminal ganglion (TG) to investigate (1) whether TNC stimulation induces peripheral CGRP release from the TG and (2) the potential involvement of a distinct dopamine–endocannabinoid mechanism. Methods: Tissues were dissected as a single unit and placed in custom 3D-printed chambers, allowing targeted stimulation of either the TNC or