The putative proton-coupled organic cation antiporter is involved in uptake of triptans into human brain capillary endothelial cells.

Background: Triptans are anti-migraine drugs with a potential central site of action. However, it is not known to what extent triptans cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The aim of this study was therefore to determine if triptans pass the brain capillary endothelium and investigate the possible underlying mechanisms with focus on the involvement of the putative proton-coupled organic cation (H/OC) antiporter.