Objective To investigate the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1) expressed in migraine rat triggered by nitroglycerin so as to explore the possible mechanism of migraine. Methods 24 Wistar rats were randomly divided into the control group and the model group. The migraine rat model (model group) was established after subcutaneous injection of GTN (10mg/kg) in the neck while the control group had saline. After the model was established, the trigeminal ganglion and dura mater were obtained at 1,2,4,8 hours and expressions of mRNA and protein of TRPV1 were detected by RT-PCR, Western-blot and Indirect immunofluorescence. Results In the control group, the positive reactions of TRPV1 receptor in the trigeminal ganglion were detected at all designated time points, but, no difference among the time points was found (P>0.05). Compared with the control groups, the relative values of mRNA and protein in the trigeminal ganglion in the model groups were lower at 1h and 2h, but higher at 4h and 8h. The surface protein TRPV1 receptor at 8 h in the trigeminal ganglion in model rats was higher than that in the control groups, and, similar expression was found in the dura mater. Conclusion The alteration of TRPV1 receptor expression suggests that the TRPV1 receptor may play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine.