Cerebral blood flow changes during pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus activity in the rat hippocampus

Microglia in epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of most common chronic neurological disorders, and the antiseizure medications developed by targeting neurocentric mechanisms have not effectively reduced the proportion of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Further exploration of the cellular or molecular mechanism of epilepsy is expected to provide new options for treatment. Recently, more and more researches focus on brain network components other than neurons, among which microglia have attracted much attention for their diverse biological functions. As the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia have highly plastic transcription, morphology and functional characteristics, which can change dynamically in a context-dependent manner during the progression of epilepsy. In the pathogenesis of epilepsy, highly reactive microglia interact with other components in the epileptogenic network by performing crucial functions such as secretion of soluble factors and phagocytosis, thus continuously reshaping the landscape of the epileptic brain microenvironment. Indeed, microglia appear to be both pro-epileptic and anti-epileptic under the different spatiotemporal contexts of disease, rendering interventions targeting microglia biologically complex and challenging. This comprehensive review critically summarizes the pathophysiological role of microglia in epileptic brain homeostasis alterations and explores potential therapeutic or modulatory targets for epilepsy targeting microglia.

Caffeine exacerbates seizure-induced death via postictal hypoxia

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading epilepsy-related cause of premature mortality in people with intractable epilepsy, who are 27 times more likely to die than the general population. Impairment of the central control of breathing following a seizure has been identified as a putative cause of death, but the mechanisms underlying this seizure-induced breathing failure are largely unknown. Our laboratory has advanced a vascular theory of postictal behavioural dysfunction, including SUDEP. We have recently reported that seizure-induced death occurs after seizures invade brainstem breathing centres which then leads to local hypoxia causing breathing failure and death. Here we investigated the effects of caffeine and two adenosine receptors in two models of seizure-induced death. We recorded local oxygen levels in brainstem breathing centres as well as time to cessation of breathing and cardiac activity relative to seizure activity. The administration of the non-selective A1/A2A antagonist caffeine or the selective A1 agonist N6-cyclopentyladenosine reveals a detrimental effect on postictal hypoxia, providing support for caffeine modulating cerebral vasculature leading to brainstem hypoxia and cessation of breathing. Conversely, A2A activation with CGS-21680 was found to increase the lifespan of mice in both our models of seizure-induced death.

GL-II-73, a Positive Allosteric Modulator of α5GABAA Receptors, Reverses Dopamine System Dysfunction Associated with Pilocarpine-Induced Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Although seizures are a hallmark feature of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), psychiatric comorbidities, including psychosis, are frequently associated with TLE and contribute to decreased quality of life. Currently, there are no defined therapeutic protocols to manage psychosis in TLE patients, as antipsychotic agents may induce epileptic seizures and are associated with severe side effects and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with antiepileptic drugs. Thus, novel treatment strategies are necessary. Several lines of evidence suggest that hippocampal hyperactivity is central to the pathology of both TLE and psychosis; therefore, restoring hippocampal activity back to normal levels may be a novel therapeutic approach for treating psychosis in TLE. In rodent models, increased activity in the ventral hippocampus (vHipp) results in aberrant dopamine system function, which is thought to underlie symptoms of psychosis. Indeed, we have previously demonstrated that targeting α5-containing γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (α5GABA_ARs), an inhibitory receptor abundant in the hippocampus, with positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), can restore dopamine system function in rodent models displaying hippocampal hyperactivity. Thus, we posited that α5-PAMs may be beneficial in a model used to study TLE. Here, we demonstrate that pilocarpine-induced TLE is associated with increased VTA dopamine neuron activity, an effect that was completely reversed by intra-vHipp administration of GL-II-73, a selective α5-PAM. Further, pilocarpine did not alter the hippocampal α5GABA_AR expression or synaptic localization that may affect the efficacy of α5-PAMs. Taken together, these results suggest augmenting α5GABA_AR function as a novel therapeutic modality for the treatment of psychosis in TLE.

Hippocampal Vascular Supply and Its Role in Vascular Cognitive Impairment

The incidence of age-related dementia is increasing as the world population ages and due to lack of effective treatments for dementia. Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia are increasing as the prevalence of pathologies associated with cerebrovascular disease rise, including chronic hypertension, diabetes, and ischemic stroke. The hippocampus is a bilateral deep brain structure that is central to learning, memory, and cognitive function and highly susceptible to hypoxic/ischemic injury. Compared with cortical brain regions such as the somatosensory cortex, less is known about the function of the hippocampal vasculature that is critical in maintaining neurocognitive health. This review focuses on the hippocampal vascular supply, presenting what is known about hippocampal hemodynamics and blood-brain barrier function during health and disease, and discusses evidence that supports its contribution to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia. Understanding vascular-mediated hippocampal injury that contributes to memory dysfunction during healthy aging and cerebrovascular disease is essential to develop effective treatments to slow cognitive decline. The hippocampus and its vasculature may represent one such therapeutic target to mitigate the dementia epidemic.

A companion to the preclinical common data elements and case report forms for in vivo rodent neuroimaging: A report of the TASK3-WG3 Neuroimaging Working Group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force

The International League Against Epilepsy/American Epilepsy Society (ILAE/AES) Joint Translational Task Force established the TASK3 working groups to create common data elements (CDEs) for various aspects of preclinical epilepsy research studies, which could help improve the standardization of experimental designs. In this article, we discuss CDEs for neuroimaging data that are collected in rodent models of epilepsy, with a focus on adult rats and mice. We provide detailed CDE tables and case report forms (CRFs), and with this companion manuscript, we discuss the methodologies for several imaging modalities and the parameters that can be collected.

99mTc-HMPAO SPECT imaging reveals brain hypoperfusion during status epilepticus

Status epilepticus (SE) is a clinical emergency with high mortality. SE can trigger neuronal death or injury and alteration of neuronal networks resulting in long-term cognitive decline or epilepsy. Among the multiple factors contributing to this damage, imbalance between oxygen and glucose requirements and brain perfusion during SE has been proposed. Herein, we aimed to quantify by neuroimaging the spatiotemporal course of brain perfusion during and after lithium-pilocarpine-induced SE in rats. To this purpose, animals underwent ^99mTc-HMPAO SPECT imaging at different time points during and after SE using a small animal SPECT/CT system. ^99mTc-HMPAO regional uptake was normalized to the injected dose. In addition, voxel-based statistical parametric mapping was performed. SPECT imaging showed an increase of cortical perfusion before clinical seizure activity onset followed by regional hypo-perfusion starting with the first convulsive seizure and during SE. Twenty-four hours after SE, brain ^99mTc-HMPAO uptake was widely decreased. Finally, chronic epileptic animals showed regionally decreased perfusion affecting hippocampus and cortical sub-regions. Despite elevated energy and oxygen requirements, brain hypo-perfusion is present during SE. Our results suggest that insufficient compensation of required blood flow might contribute to neuronal damage and neuroinflammation, and ultimately to chronic epilepsy generated by SE.

Repeated hippocampal seizures lead to brain-wide reorganization of circuits and seizure propagation pathways

Repeated seizure activity can lead to long-term changes in seizure dynamics and behavior. However, resulting changes in brain-wide dynamics remain poorly understood. This is due partly to technical challenges in precise seizure control and in vivo whole-brain mapping of circuit dynamics. Here, we developed an optogenetic kindling model through repeated stimulation of ventral hippocampal CaMKII neurons in adult rats. We then combined fMRI with electrophysiology to track brain-wide circuit dynamics resulting from non-afterdischarge (AD)-generating stimulations and individual convulsive seizures. Kindling induced widespread increases in non-AD-generating stimulation response and ipsilateral functional connectivity and elevated anxiety. Individual seizures in kindled animals showed more significant increases in brain-wide activity and bilateral functional connectivity. Onset time quantification provided evidence for kindled seizure propagation from the ipsilateral to the contralateral hemisphere. Furthermore, a core of slow-migrating hippocampal activity was identified in both non-kindled and kindled seizures, revealing a novel mechanism of seizure sustainment and propagation.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Arterial Spin-Labeling MR Imaging in Detecting the Epileptogenic Zone: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A noninvasive, safe, and economic imaging technique is required to identify epileptogenic lesions in the brain.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to perform a meta-analysis evaluating the accuracy of arterial spin-labeling in localizing the epileptic focus in the brain and the changes in the blood perfusion in these regions.

DATA SOURCES

Our sources were the PubMed and EMBASE data bases.

STUDY SELECTION

English language studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of arterial spin-labeling for detecting the epileptogenic zone up to July 2019 were included.

DATA ANALYSIS

The symptomatogenic foci of seizures in the brain were determined and used as the references. The relevant studies were evaluated using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool. The outcomes were evaluated using the pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, pooled accuracy, diagnostic odds ratio, area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, and likelihood ratio.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Six studies that included 174 patients qualified for this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, pooled specificity, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve were 0.74 (95% CI, 0.65-0.82), 0.35 (95% CI, 0.03-0.90), and 0.73 (95% CI, 0.69-0.76), respectively. The accuracy of arterial spin-labeling for localizing the epileptic focus was 0.88 (accuracy in arterial spin-labeling/all perfusion changes in arterial spin-labeling) in cases of a positive arterial spin-labeling result. The epileptogenic zone exhibited hyperperfusion or hypoperfusion.

LIMITATIONS

Only a few studies were enrolled due to the strict inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Arterial spin-labeling can be used for assessing, monitoring, and reviewing, postoperatively, patients with epilepsy. Blood perfusion changes in the brain may be closely related to the seizure time and pattern.

Dexmedetomidine - Commonly Used in Functional Imaging Studies - Increases Susceptibility to Seizures in Rats But Not in Wild Type Mice

Functional MRI (fMRI) utilizes changes in metabolic and hemodynamic signals to indirectly infer the underlying local changes in neuronal activity. To investigate the mechanisms of fMRI responses, spontaneous fluctuations, and functional connectivity in the resting-state, it is important to pursue fMRI in animal models. Animal studies commonly use dexmedetomidine sedation. It has been demonstrated that potent sensory stimuli administered under dexmedetomidine are prone to inducing seizures in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Here we combined optical imaging of intrinsic signals and cerebral blood flow with neurophysiological recordings to measure responses in rat area S1FL to electrical forepaw stimulation administered at 8 Hz. We show that the increased susceptibility to seizures starts no later than 1 h and ends no sooner than 3 h after initiating a continuous administration of dexmedetomidine. By administering different combinations of anesthetic and sedative agents, we demonstrate that dexmedetomidine is the sole agent necessary for the increased susceptibility to seizures. The increased susceptibility to seizures prevails under a combination of 0.3–0.5% isoflurane and dexmedetomidine anesthesia. The blood-oxygenation and cerebral blood flow responses to seizures induced by forepaw stimulation have a higher amplitude and a larger spatial extent relative to physiological responses to the same stimuli. The epileptic activity and the associated blood oxygenation and cerebral blood flow responses stretched beyond the stimulation period. We observed seizures in response to forepaw stimulation with 1–2 mA pulses administered at 8 Hz. In contrast, responses to stimuli administered at 4 Hz were seizure-free. We demonstrate that such seizures are generated not only in SD rats but also in Long-Evans rats, but not in C57BL6 mice stimulated with similar potent stimuli under dexmedetomidine sedation. We conclude that high-amplitude hemodynamic functional imaging responses evoked by peripheral stimulation in rats sedated with dexmedetomidine are possibly due to the induction of epileptic activity. Therefore, caution should be practiced in experiments that combine the administration of potent stimuli with dexmedetomidine sedation. We propose stimulation paradigms that elicit seizure-free, well detectable neurophysiological and hemodynamic responses in rats. We further conclude that the increased susceptibility to seizures under dexmedetomidine sedation is species dependent.

Dynamic oxygen changes during status epilepticus and subsequent endogenous kindling

OBJECTIVE

Brain tissue oxygen (partial oxygen pressure [pO2 ]) levels are tightly regulated to stay within the normoxic zone, with deviations on either side resulting in impaired brain function. Whereas pathological events such as ischemic attacks and brief seizures have previously been shown to result in pO2 levels well below the normoxic zone, oxygen levels during prolonged status epilepticus (SE) and the subsequent endogenous kindling period are unknown.

METHODS

We utilized two models of acquired temporal lobe epilepsy in rats: intrahippocampal kainic acid infusion and prolonged perforant pathway stimulation. Local tissue oxygen was measured in the dorsal hippocampus using an optode during and for several weeks following SE.

RESULTS

We observed hyperoxia in the hippocampus during induced SE in both models. Following termination of SE, 88% of rats initiated focal self-generated spiking activity in the hippocampus within the first 7 days, which was associated with dynamic oxygen changes. Self-generated and recurring epileptiform activity subsequently organized into higher-frequency bursts that became progressively longer and were ultimately associated with behavioral seizures that became more severe with time and led to postictal hypoxia.

SIGNIFICANCE

Induced SE and self-generated recurrent epileptiform activity can have profound and opposing effects on brain tissue oxygenation that may serve as a biomarker for ongoing pathological activity in the brain.

Memory impairment in spontaneously hypertensive rats is associated with hippocampal hypoperfusion and hippocampal vascular dysfunction

We investigated the effect of chronic hypertension on hippocampal arterioles (HippAs) and hippocampal perfusion as underlying mechanisms of memory impairment, and how large artery stiffness relates to HippA remodeling. Using male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar rats (n = 12/group), long-term (LTM) and spatial memory were tested using object recognition and spontaneous alternation tasks. Hippocampal blood flow was measured via hydrogen clearance basally and during hypercapnia. Reactivity of isolated and pressurized HippAs to pressure and pharmacological activators and inhibitors was investigated. To determine large artery stiffness, distensibility and elastin content were measured in thoracic aorta. SHR had impaired LTM and spatial memory associated with decreased basal blood flow (68 ± 12 mL/100 g/min) vs. Wistar (111 ± 28 mL/100 g/min, p < 0.01) that increased during hypercapnia similarly between groups. Compared to Wistar, HippAs from SHR had increased tone at 60 mmHg (58 ± 9% vs. 37 ± 7%, p < 0.01), and decreased reactivity to small- and intermediate-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK/IK) channel activation. HippAs in both groups were unaffected by NOS inhibition. Decreased elastin content correlated with increased stiffness in aorta of SHR that was associated with increased stiffness and hypertrophic remodeling of HippAs. Hippocampal vascular dysfunction during hypertension could potentiate memory deficits and may provide a therapeutic target to limit vascular cognitive impairment.

CT perfusion measurement of postictal hypoperfusion: localization of the seizure onset zone and patterns of spread

PURPOSE

Seizures are often followed by a period of transient neurological dysfunction and postictal alterations in cerebral blood flow may underlie these symptoms. Recent animal studies have shown reduced local cerebral blood flow at the seizure onset zone (SOZ) lasting approximately 1 h following seizures. Using arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI, we observed postictal hypoperfusion at the SOZ in 75% of patients. The clinical implementation of ASL as a tool to identify the SOZ is hampered by the limited availability of MRI on short notice. Computed tomography perfusion (CTP) also measures blood flow and may circumvent the logistical limitations of MRI. Thus, we aimed to measure the extent of postictal hypoperfusion using CTP.

METHODS

Fourteen adult patients with refractory focal epilepsy admitted for presurgical evaluation were prospectively recruited and underwent CTP scanning within 80 min of a habitual seizure. Patients also underwent a baseline scan after they were seizure-free for > 24 h. The acquired scans were qualitatively assessed by two reviewers by visual inspection and quantitatively assessed through a subtraction pipeline to identify areas of significant postictal hypoperfusion.

RESULTS

Postictal blood flow reductions of > 15 ml/100 g^-1/min^-1 were seen in 12/13 patients using the quantitative method of analysis. In 10/12 patients, the location of the hypoperfusion was partially or fully concordant with the presumed SOZ. In all patients, additional areas of scattered hypoperfusion were seen in areas corresponding to seizure spread.

CONCLUSION

CTP can reliably measure postictal hypoperfusion which is maximal at the presumed SOZ.

Neuroimaging Biomarkers of Experimental Epileptogenesis and Refractory Epilepsy

This article provides an overview of neuroimaging biomarkers in experimental epileptogenesis and refractory epilepsy. Neuroimaging represents a gold standard and clinically translatable technique to identify neuropathological changes in epileptogenesis and longitudinally monitor its progression after a precipitating injury. Neuroimaging studies, along with molecular studies from animal models, have greatly improved our understanding of the neuropathology of epilepsy, such as the hallmark hippocampus sclerosis. Animal models are effective for differentiating the different stages of epileptogenesis. Neuroimaging in experimental epilepsy provides unique information about anatomic, functional, and metabolic alterations linked to epileptogenesis. Recently, several in vivo biomarkers for epileptogenesis have been investigated for characterizing neuronal loss, inflammation, blood-brain barrier alterations, changes in neurotransmitter density, neurovascular coupling, cerebral blood flow and volume, network connectivity, and metabolic activity in the brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a sensitive method for detecting structural and functional changes in the brain, especially to identify region-specific neuronal damage patterns in epilepsy. Positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computerized tomography are helpful to elucidate key functional alterations, especially in areas of brain metabolism and molecular patterns, and can help monitor pathology of epileptic disorders. Multimodal procedures such as PET-MRI integrated systems are desired for refractory epilepsy. Validated biomarkers are warranted for early identification of people at risk for epilepsy and monitoring of the progression of medical interventions.

Seizure onset zone localization using postictal hypoperfusion detected by arterial spin labelling MRI

Neurological dysfunction following epileptic seizures is a well-recognized phenomenon. Several potential mechanisms have been suggested to explain postictal dysfunction, with alteration in cerebral blood flow being one possibility. These vascular disturbances may be long lasting and localized to brain areas involved in seizure generation and propagation, as supported by both animal and human studies. Therefore, measuring perfusion changes in the postictal period may help localize the seizure onset zone. Arterial spin labelling is a non-invasive, rapid and reproducible magnetic resonance imaging technique that measures cerebral perfusion. To this end, we measured postictal perfusion in patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy who were admitted to our seizure-monitoring unit for presurgical evaluation. Twenty-one patients were prospectively recruited and underwent arterial spin labelling scanning within 90 min of a habitual seizure. Patients also underwent a similar scan in the interictal period, after they were seizure-free for at least 24 h. The acquired scans were subtracted to identify the areas of significant postictal hypoperfusion. The location of the maximal hypoperfusion was compared to the presumed seizure onset zone to assess for concordance. Also, the localizing value of this technique was compared to other structural and functional imaging modalities. Postictal perfusion reductions of >15 units (ml/100 g/l) were seen in 15/21 patients (71.4%). In 12/15 (80%) of these patients, the location of the hypoperfusion was partially or fully concordant with the location of the presumed seizure onset zone. This technique compared favourably to other neuroimaging modalities, being similar or superior to structural magnetic resonance imaging in 52% of cases, ictal single-photon emission computed tomography in 60% of cases and interictal positron emission tomography in 71% of cases. Better arterial spin labelling results were obtained in patients in whom the seizure onset zone was discernible based on non-invasive data. Thus, this technique is a safe, non-invasive and relatively inexpensive tool to detect postictal hypoperfusion that may provide useful data to localize the seizure onset zone. This technique may be incorporated into the battery of conventional investigations for presurgical evaluation of patients with drug resistant focal epilepsy.

Spontaneous seizure remission following status epilepticus in drug-resistant epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia

We describe a patient with chronic pharmacoresistant epilepsy related to right parietal focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), who became seizure-free following an episode of convulsive status epilepticus (SE). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) were performed before and after SE. Longitudinal MRI scans showed a stable appearance of the FCD with no new signal change. However, diffusion tensor imaging showed altered white matter fiber tract orientation in posterior cortices, especially in proximity to the lesion, at 3 years post-SE. FDG-PET showed more widespread hypometabolism 3 years after SE. The unusual occurrence of spontaneous seizure remission following SE in the context of FCD-related epilepsy, in association with neuroimaging evolution, suggests possible cerebral reorganization triggered by SE as a mechanism in this case.

Altered hippocampal arteriole structure and function in a rat model of preeclampsia: Potential role in impaired seizure-induced hyperemia

We investigated the effect of experimental preeclampsia on hyperemia during seizure in the hippocampus and vascular function and structure of hippocampal arterioles using Sprague Dawley rats (n = 14/group) that were nonpregnant, pregnant (d20), or had experimental preeclampsia (induced by a high cholesterol diet d7-20). Hyperemia was measured via hydrogen clearance basally and during pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure (40-130 mg/kg i.v.). Reactivity of isolated and pressurized hippocampal arterioles to KCl, nitric oxide synthase inhibition with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester and the nitric oxide donor sodium nitroprusside were investigated. Capillary density was quantified via immunohistochemistry. Cerebral blood flow increased during seizure vs. baseline in pregnant (118 ± 14 vs. 87 ± 9 mL/100 g/min; p < 0.05) and nonpregnant rats (106 ± 9 vs. 82 ± 9 mL/100 g/min; p < 0.05) but was unchanged in preeclamptic rats (79 ± 16 vs. 91 ± 4 mL/100 g/min; p > 0.05), suggesting impaired seizure-induced hyperemia in preeclampsia. Hippocampal arterioles from preeclamptic rats had less basal tone, and dilated less to 15 mM KCl (9 ± 8%) vs. pregnant (61 ± 27%) and nonpregnant rats (20 ± 11%). L-NAME had no effect on hippocampal arterioles in any group, but dilation to sodium nitroprusside was similar. Structurally, hippocampal arterioles from preeclamptic rats underwent inward hypotrophic remodeling and capillary rarefaction. Impaired seizure-induced hyperemia, vascular dysfunction, and limited vasodilatory reserve of hippocampal arterioles could potentiate hippocampal injury in preeclampsia especially during eclampsia.

Glucose Deficiency Elevates Acid-Sensing Ion Channel 2a Expression and Increases Seizure Susceptibility in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Brain hypometabolism is a common epilepsy-related finding in both patients and animal models. Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography studies have shown that recurrent seizures lead to reduced glucose metabolism in certain brain regions, but no studies have definitively determined whether this induces epileptogenesis. There is evidence that acid-sensing ion channel 2a (ASIC2a) affects epilepsy susceptibility. Transcription factor CP2 (TFCP2) regulates ASIC2a expression. We report that suppressed TFCP2 expression and elevated ASIC2a expression were associated with glucose hypometabolism in the hippocampi of humans with epilepsy and of rat epilepsy model brains. In cultured PC12 cells, we determined that glucose deficiency led to TFCP2 downregulating ASIC2a. Moreover, electrophysiological recordings from cultured rat hippocampal slices showed that ASIC2a overexpression resulted in more action potentials in CA1 pyramidal neurons and increased seizure susceptibility. Our findings suggest that hippocampal glucose hypometabolism elevates ASIC2a expression by suppressing TFCP2 expression, which further enhances the intrinsic excitability of CA1 pyramidal neurons and increases seizure susceptibility in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.

What are the effects of prolonged seizures in the brain?

Convulsive status epilepticus is the most common neurological emergency in children and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The morbidities include later development of epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric impairments. There has been a long-standing hypothesis that these outcomes are, at least in part, a function of brain injury induced by the status epilepticus. There is evidence from animal models and prospective human studies that the hippocampus may be injured during febrile status epilepticus although this pathophysiological sequence remains uncommon. Potential mechanisms include excitotoxicity, ischaemia, and inflammation. Neuroprotective drugs reduce brain injury but have little impact on epileptogenesis or cognitive impairments. Anti-inflammatory treatments have given mixed results to date. Broad-spectrum anti-inflammatory agents, such as steroids, are potentially harmful, whereas prevention of leucocyte diapedesis across the blood brain barrier appears to have a positive outcome. Therefore, more studies dissecting the inflammatory process are required to establish the most effective strategies for translation into clinical practice. In addition to neuronal loss, cognitive impairments are related to neuronal re-organisation and disruption of neural networks underpinning cognition. Further understanding of these mechanisms may lead to novel therapies that prevent brain injury, but also therapies that may improve outcomes even if injury has occurred.

Expression levels of microRNA-199 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha in brain tissue of patients with intractable epilepsy

OBJECTIVES

During the last decade, experimental evidence has demonstrated an important role of hypoxia, which leads to neuronal cell death and angiogenesis, in the mechanisms of seizure precipitation and recurrence. MicroRNA-199 targets hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1α), which has recently been implicated in the pathophysiology of the hypoxic state and brain injury. However, little is known about the roles of MicroRNA-199 and HIF-1α in the human epileptogenic process.

DESIGN AND METHODS

In this study, we investigated the expression of miR-199a-5p, miR-199b-5p and HIF-1α using real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blots in the temporal neocortex of twenty four patients with intractable epilepsy and twelve control subjects.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the expression of miR-199a-5p and miR-199b-5p was significantly lower in epileptic brain tissues (p < 0.05). The levels of HIF-1α mRNA and protein were highly up-regulated in epileptic brain tissues compared with those of control subjects (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that the abnormal expression of miR-199 and HIF-1α in epileptic brain tissue may be involved in the pathophysiology of human epilepsy and that the expression of HIF-1α may be regulated by miR-199. These findings may provide new insights into the treatment of epilepsy.

MRI compatible optrodes for simultaneous LFP and optogenetic fMRI investigation of seizure-like afterdischarges

In preclinical studies, implanted electrodes can cause severe degradation of MRI images and hence are seldom used for chronic studies employing functional magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we developed carbon fiber optrodes (optical fiber and electrode hybrid devices), which can be utilised in chronic longitudinal studies aiming to take advantage of emerging optogenetic technologies, and compared them with the more widely used tungsten optrodes. We find that optrodes constructed using small diameter (~130 μm) carbon fiber electrodes cause significantly reduced artifact on functional MRI images compared to those made with 50 μm diameter tungsten wire and at the same time the carbon electrodes have lower impedance, which leads to higher quality LFP recordings. In order to validate this approach, we use these devices to study optogenetically-induced seizure-like afterdischarges in rats sedated with dexmedetomidine and compare these to sub (seizure) threshold stimulations in the same animals. The results indicate that seizure-like afterdischarges involve several extrahippocampal brain regions that are not recruited by subthreshold optogenetic stimulation of the hippocampus at 20 Hz. Subthreshold stimulation led to activation of the entire ipsilateral hippocampus and septum, whereas afterdischarges additionally produced activations in the contralateral hippocampal formation, neocortex, cerebellum, nucleus accumbens, and thalamus. Although we demonstrate just one application, given the ease of fabrication, we anticipate that carbon fiber optrodes could be utilised in a variety of studies that could benefit from longitudinal optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Prolonged febrile seizures cause reversible reductions in white matter integrity

Prolonged febrile seizures (PFS) are the commonest cause of childhood status epilepticus and are believed to carry a risk of neuronal damage, in particular to the mesial temporal lobe. This study was designed to determine: i) the effect of prolonged febrile seizures on white matter and ii) the temporal evolution of any changes seen.

33 children were recruited 1 month following PFS and underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with repeat imaging at 6 and 12 months after the original episode of PFS. 18 age-matched healthy control subjects underwent similar investigations at a single time point. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to compare fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD) and radial diffusivity (RD) between patients and controls on a voxel-wise basis within the white matter skeleton.

Widespread reductions in FA along multiple white matter tracts were found at 1 and 6 months post-PFS, but these had resolved at 12 months. At one month post-PFS the main changes seen were reductions in AD but at 6 months these had predominantly changed to increases in RD.

These widespread white matter changes have not previously been noted following PFS. There are many possible explanations, but one plausible hypothesis is that this represents a temporary halting of normal white matter development caused by the seizure, that then resumes and normalises in the majority of children.

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Widespread reductions in FA occur in children after prolonged febrile seizures.

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These reductions persist up to 6 months post-PFS but resolve by 1 year.

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This may represent a seizure-related disruption of white matter development.

Cerebral perfusion alterations in epileptic patients during peri-ictal and post-ictal phase: PASL vs DSC-MRI

Non-invasive pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) MRI is a method to study brain perfusion that does not require the administration of a contrast agent, which makes it a valuable diagnostic tool as it reduces cost and side effects. The purpose of the present study was to establish the viability of PASL as an alternative to dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC-MRI) and other perfusion imaging methods in characterizing changes in perfusion patterns caused by seizures in epileptic patients. We evaluated 19 patients with PASL. Of these, the 9 affected by high-frequency seizures were observed during the peri-ictal period (within 5hours since the last seizure), while the 10 patients affected by low-frequency seizures were observed in the post-ictal period. For comparison, 17/19 patients were also evaluated with DSC-MRI and CBF/CBV. PASL imaging showed focal vascular changes, which allowed the classification of patients in three categories: 8 patients characterized by increased perfusion, 4 patients with normal perfusion and 7 patients with decreased perfusion. PASL perfusion imaging findings were comparable to those obtained by DSC-MRI. Since PASL is a) sensitive to vascular alterations induced by epileptic seizures, b) comparable to DSC-MRI for detecting perfusion asymmetries, c) potentially capable of detecting time-related perfusion changes, it can be recommended for repeated evaluations, to identify the epileptic focus, and in follow-up and/or therapy-response assessment.

MRI changes and complement activation correlate with epileptogenicity in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy

The complex pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy includes neuronal and glial pathology, synaptic reorganization, and an immune response. However, the spatio-temporal pattern of structural changes in the brain that provide a substrate for seizure generation and modulate the seizure phenotype is yet to be completely elucidated. We used quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study structural changes triggered by status epilepticus (SE) and their association with epileptogenesis and with activation of complement component 3 (C3). SE was induced by injection of pilocarpine in CD1 mice. Quantitative diffusion-weighted imaging and T2 relaxometry was performed using a 16.4-Tesla MRI scanner at 3 h and 1, 2, 7, 14, 28, 35, and 49 days post-SE. Following longitudinal MRI examinations, spontaneous recurrent seizures and interictal spikes were quantified using continuous video-EEG monitoring. Immunohistochemical analysis of C3 expression was performed at 48 h, 7 days, and 4 months post-SE. MRI changes were dynamic, reflecting different outcomes in relation to the development of epilepsy. Apparent diffusion coefficient changes in the hippocampus at 7 days post-SE correlated with the severity of the evolving epilepsy. C3 activation was found in all stages of epileptogenesis within the areas with significant MRI changes and correlated with the severity of epileptic condition.