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Li Q, Li R, Ge B, Luo X, Xu J, Fu L, Kong Y, Yang JY, Li S. Anticonvulsant effect of Stachydrine on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling seizure mouse model via Notch and NMDAR signaling pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2025; 349:119975. [PMID: 40374044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2025] [Accepted: 05/12/2025] [Indexed: 05/17/2025]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Stachydrine (STA), the principal bioactive alkaloid of Leonurus japonicus (Motherwort/"Yi Mu Cao"), may derive its ethnopharmacological relevance for epilepsy management from the botanical origin-Motherwort's documented traditional use in treating seizures and other neurological cardiovascular diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY To validate STA's ethnomedicinal claim an anticonvulsant by mechanistically interrogating its dual modulation of Notch1-driven neuroinflammation and NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity, which are two key hallmarks of chronic epileptogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups to evaluate the neuroprotective and an anticonvulsant effects of STA in the PTZ-induced seizure model: Control group, PTZ group, and PTZ + STA group. Behavioral seizure scoring and cognitive tests were integrated with EEG recordings to assess neuronal synchronization. Molecular mechanisms were dissected via hippocampal immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. RESULTS Our results showed that daily oral administration of STA for a duration of 25 days significantly reduced seizure scores. EEG recordings indicated that STA treatment resulted in a notable reduction in both total brainwave power and firing amplitude within the groups receiving STA. Furthermore, STA administration provided cognitive protection against kindling-associated deficits, as demonstrated by improved alteration behavior and recognition index in Y-maze and object recognition tests. STA administration reduced neuronal loss and glial cell activation. Additionally, significant downregulation of NMDA receptor subunits, CAMK2, caspase-3, Notch1, and Hes1 expression levels was observed following STA administration. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that STA provides neuroprotection against PTZ-induced epilepsy by modulating the Notch and NMDA receptor pathways, thus addressing neuroinflammation and apoptosis resulting from excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifa Li
- Functional Laboratory, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Ruipeng Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Biying Ge
- Functional Laboratory, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Xiaoqin Luo
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Functional Laboratory, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Lei Fu
- Functional Laboratory, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Yue Kong
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China
| | - Jin-Yi Yang
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Dalian Friendship Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116001, China.
| | - Shao Li
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Cerebral Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China; National-Local Joint Engineering Research Center for Drug-Research and Development (R&D) of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, China.
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Kabiri-Samani N, Amini-Khoei H, Rahimi-Madiseh M, Sureda A, Lorigooini Z. Trigonelline as an anticonvulsant agent: mechanistic insights into NMDA receptor expression and oxidative stress balance. Sci Rep 2024; 14:14239. [PMID: 38902338 PMCID: PMC11189925 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65301-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Glutamatergic neurotransmission and oxidative stress are involved in the pathophysiology of seizures. Some anticonvulsants exert their effects through modulation of these pathways. Trigonelline (TRG) has been shown to possess various pharmacological effects like neuroprotection. Therefore, this study was performed to determine TRG's anticonvulsant effects, focusing on its potential effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, a type of glutamate receptor, and oxidative stress state in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in PTZ-induced seizure in mice. Seventy-two male mice were randomly divided into nine groups. The groups included mice that received normal saline, TRG at doses of 10, 50, and 100 mg/kg, diazepam, NMDA (an agonist), ketamine (an antagonist), the effective dose of TRG with NMDA, as well as sub-effective dose of TRG with ketamine, respectively. All agents were administrated intraperitoneally 60 min before induction of seizures by PTZ. Latency to seizure, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in serum and PFC were measured. Furthermore, the gene expression of NR2A and NR2B, subunits of NMDA receptors, was measured in the PFC. TRG administration increased the latency to seizure onset and enhanced TAC while reducing MDA levels in both the PFC and serum. TRG also decreased the gene expression of NR2B in the PFC. Unexpectedly, the findings revealed that the concurrent administration of ketamine amplified, whereas NMDA mitigated, the impact of TRG on latency to seizure. Furthermore, NMDA diminished the positive effects of TRG on antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress, while ketamine amplified these beneficial effects, indicating a complex interaction between TRG and NMDA receptor modulation. In the gene expression of NMDA receptors, results showed that ketamine significantly decreased the gene expression of NR2B when co-administrated with a sub-effective dose of TRG. It was found that, at least partially, the anticonvulsant effect of TRG in PTZ-induced seizures in male mice was mediated by the attenuation of glutamatergic neurotransmission as well as the reduction of oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastran Kabiri-Samani
- Student Research Committee, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahimi-Madiseh
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group on Community Nutrition & Oxidative Stress, University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- CIBEROBN (Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
| | - Zahra Lorigooini
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran.
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Rayala H, Kapur J, El-Haija HA, Parikh P, Zawar I. Memantine's double duty? Investigating its impact on epilepsy control in Alzheimer's disease. Epileptic Disord 2024; 26:261-263. [PMID: 38334219 PMCID: PMC11656195 DOI: 10.1002/epd2.20202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Harika Rayala
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Jaideep Kapur
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Brain Institute, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Prachi Parikh
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ifrah Zawar
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Chen Y, Wang X, Xiao B, Luo Z, Long H. Mechanisms and Functions of Activity-Regulated Cytoskeleton-Associated Protein in Synaptic Plasticity. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5738-5754. [PMID: 37338805 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) is one of the most important regulators of cognitive functions in the brain regions. As a hub protein, Arc plays different roles in modulating synaptic plasticity. Arc supports the maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) by regulating actin cytoskeletal dynamics, while it guides the endocytosis of AMPAR in long-term depression (LTD). Moreover, Arc can self-assemble into capsids, leading to a new way of communicating among neurons. The transcription and translation of the immediate early gene Arc are rigorous procedures guided by numerous factors, and RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is considered to regulate the precise timing dynamics of gene expression. Since astrocytes can secrete brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and L-lactate, their unique roles in Arc expression are emphasized. Here, we review the entire process of Arc expression and summarize the factors that can affect Arc expression and function, including noncoding RNAs, transcription factors, and posttranscriptional regulations. We also attempt to review the functional states and mechanisms of Arc in modulating synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, we discuss the recent progress in understanding the roles of Arc in the occurrence of major neurological disorders and provide new thoughts for future research on Arc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Xiangya School of Stomatology, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008
| | - Zhaohui Luo
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
| | - Hongyu Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China.
- Clinical Research Center for Epileptic Disease of Hunan Province, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China, 410008.
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Postnikova TY, Griflyuk AV, Zhigulin AS, Soboleva EB, Barygin OI, Amakhin DV, Zaitsev AV. Febrile Seizures Cause a Rapid Depletion of Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptors at the Synapses of Principal Neurons in the Entorhinal Cortex and Hippocampus of the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12621. [PMID: 37628802 PMCID: PMC10454714 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FSs) are a relatively common early-life condition that can cause CNS developmental disorders, but the specific mechanisms of action of FS are poorly understood. In this work, we used hyperthermia-induced FS in 10-day-old rats. We demonstrated that the efficiency of glutamatergic synaptic transmission decreased rapidly after FS by recording local field potentials. This effect was transient, and after two days there were no differences between control and post-FS groups. During early ontogeny, the proportion of calcium-permeable (CP)-AMPA receptors in the synapses of the principal cortical and hippocampal neurons is high. Therefore, rapid internalization of CP-AMPA receptors may be one of the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. Using the whole-cell patch-clamp method and the selective CP-AMPA receptor blocker IEM-1460, we tested whether the proportion of CP-AMPA receptors changed. We have demonstrated that FS rapidly reduces synaptic CP-AMPA receptors in both the hippocampus and the entorhinal cortex. This process was accompanied by a sharp decrease in the calcium permeability of the membrane of principal neurons, which we revealed in experiments with kainate-induced cobalt uptake. Our experiments show that FSs cause rapid changes in the function of the glutamatergic system, which may have compensatory effects that prevent excessive excitotoxicity and neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Aleksey V. Zaitsev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS, 44, Toreza Prospekt, Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia; (T.Y.P.); (A.V.G.); (A.S.Z.); (E.B.S.); (O.I.B.); (D.V.A.)
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Huang Y, Liu Y, Song W, Liu Y, Wang X, Han J, Ye J, Han H, Wang L, Li J, Wang T. Assessment of Cognitive Function with Sleep Spindle Characteristics in Adults with Epilepsy. Neural Plast 2023; 2023:7768980. [PMID: 37101904 PMCID: PMC10125769 DOI: 10.1155/2023/7768980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Epilepsy may cause chronic cognitive impairment by disturbing sleep plasticity. Sleep spindles play a crucial role in sleep maintenance and brain plasticity. This study explored the relationship between cognition and spindle characteristics in adult epilepsy. Methods Participants underwent one-night sleep electroencephalogram recording and neuropsychological tests on the same day. Spindle characteristics during N2 sleep were extracted using a learning-based system for sleep staging and an automated spindle detection algorithm. We investigated the difference between cognitive subgroups in spindle characteristics. Multiple linear regressions were applied to analyze associations between cognition and spindle characteristics. Results Compared with no/mild cognitive impairment, epilepsy patients who developed severe cognitive impairment had lower sleep spindle density, the differences mainly distributed in central, occipital, parietal, middle temporal, and posterior temporal (P < 0.05), and had relatively long spindle duration in occipital and posterior temporal (P < 0.05). Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was associated with spindle density (pars triangularis of the inferior frontal gyrus (IFGtri): β = 0.253, P = 0.015, and P.adjust = 0.074) and spindle duration (IFGtri: β = -0.262, P = 0.004, and P.adjust = 0.030). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was associated with spindle duration (IFGtri: β = -0.246, P = 0.010, and P.adjust = 0.055). Executive Index Score (MoCA-EIS) was associated with spindle density (IFGtri: β = 0.238, P = 0.019, and P.adjust = 0.087; parietal: β = 0.227, P = 0.017, and P.adjust = 0.082) and spindle duration (parietal: β = -0.230, P = 0.013, and P.adjust = 0.065). Attention Index Score (MoCA-AIS) was associated with spindle duration (IFGtri: β = -0.233, P = 0.017, and P.adjust = 0.081). Conclusions The findings suggested that the altered spindle activity in epilepsy with severe cognitive impairment, the associations between the global cognitive status of adult epilepsy and spindle characteristics, and specific cognitive domains may relate to spindle characteristics in particular brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajin Huang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University/Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yaqing Liu
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Wenjun Song
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Yanjun Liu
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Xiaoqian Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University/Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juping Han
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University/Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Jiang Ye
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Hongmei Han
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Tiancheng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
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Sivakumar S, Ghasemi M, Schachter SC. Targeting NMDA Receptor Complex in Management of Epilepsy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15101297. [PMID: 36297409 PMCID: PMC9609646 DOI: 10.3390/ph15101297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are widely distributed in the central nervous system (CNS) and play critical roles in neuronal excitability in the CNS. Both clinical and preclinical studies have revealed that the abnormal expression or function of these receptors can underlie the pathophysiology of seizure disorders and epilepsy. Accordingly, NMDAR modulators have been shown to exert anticonvulsive effects in various preclinical models of seizures, as well as in patients with epilepsy. In this review, we provide an update on the pathologic role of NMDARs in epilepsy and an overview of the NMDAR antagonists that have been evaluated as anticonvulsive agents in clinical studies, as well as in preclinical seizure models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shravan Sivakumar
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (S.C.S.)
| | - Steven C. Schachter
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Consortia for Improving Medicine with Innovation & Technology (CIMIT), Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Correspondence: (M.G.); (S.C.S.)
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The Role of the NMDA Receptor in the Anticonvulsant Effect of Ellagic Acid in Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Male Mice. Behav Neurol 2022; 2022:9015842. [PMID: 35600241 PMCID: PMC9117013 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9015842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Methods In this experimental study, 64 mice were divided into 8 groups and received the following: normal saline; EA at doses of 6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg; NMDA agonist at a dose of 75 mg/kg; NMDA antagonist (ketamine) at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg; an effective dose of EA plus NMDA agonist; and a subeffective dose of EA plus ketamine. We induced seizure using intravenous administration of PTZ. 60 minutes before induction of seizure, drugs were administrated. Duration lasts to seizure-induced was measured. Finally, the gene expression of NMDA receptor subunits (Nr2a and Nr2b) was assessed in the prefrontal cortex. Results Results showed that EA increased the seizure threshold and decreased the expression of Nr2a and Nr2b. We determined that ketamine potentiated and NMDA attenuated the effects of subeffective and effective doses of EA. Conclusion EA probably via attenuation of the NMDA-R pathway possesses an anticonvulsant effect in PTZ-induced seizure in mice.
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Twible C, Abdo R, Zhang Q. Astrocyte Role in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy and Development of Mossy Fiber Sprouting. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:725693. [PMID: 34658792 PMCID: PMC8514632 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.725693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, with 60% of adult epilepsies presenting an onset of focal origin. The most common focal epilepsy is temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The role of astrocytes in the presentation and development of TLE has been increasingly studied and discussed within the literature. The most common histopathological diagnosis of TLE is hippocampal sclerosis. Hippocampal sclerosis is characterized by neuronal cell loss within the Cornu ammonis and reactive astrogliosis. In some cases, mossy fiber sprouting may be observed. Mossy fiber sprouting has been controversial in its contribution to epileptogenesis in TLE patients, and the mechanisms surrounding the phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. Several studies have reported that mossy fiber sprouting has an almost certain co-existence with reactive astrogliosis within the hippocampus under epileptic conditions. Astrocytes are known to play an important role in the survival and axonal outgrowth of central and peripheral nervous system neurons, pointing to a potential role of astrocytes in TLE and associated cellular alterations. Herein, we review the recent developments surrounding the role of astrocytes in the pathogenic process of TLE and mossy fiber sprouting, with a focus on proposed signaling pathways and cellular mechanisms, histological observations, and clinical correlations in human patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Twible
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rober Abdo
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, London, ON, Canada
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Zaitsev АV, Amakhin DV, Dyomina AV, Zakharova MV, Ergina JL, Postnikova TY, Diespirov GP, Magazanik LG. Synaptic Dysfunction in Epilepsy. J EVOL BIOCHEM PHYS+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s002209302103008x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Transcriptomic expression of AMPA receptor subunits and their auxiliary proteins in the human brain. Neurosci Lett 2021; 755:135938. [PMID: 33915226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Receptors to glutamate of the AMPA type (AMPARs) serve as the major gates of excitation in the human brain, where they participate in fundamental processes underlying perception, cognition and movement. Due to their central role in brain function, dysregulation of these receptors has been implicated in neuropathological states associated with a large variety of diseases that manifest with abnormal behaviors. The participation of functional abnormalities of AMPARs in brain disorders is strongly supported by genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic studies. Most of these studies have focused on the expression and function of the subunits that make up the channel and define AMPARs (GRIA1-GRIA4), as well of some accessory proteins. However, it is increasingly evident that native AMPARs are composed of a complex array of accessory proteins that regulate their trafficking, localization, kinetics and pharmacology, and a better understanding of the diversity and regional expression of these accessory proteins is largely needed. In this review we will provide an update on the state of current knowledge of AMPA receptors subunits in the context of their accessory proteins at the transcriptome level. We also summarize the regional expression in the human brain and its correlation with the channel forming subunits. Finally, we discuss some of the current limitations of transcriptomic analysis and propose potential ways to overcome them.
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Synaptic Reshaping and Neuronal Outcomes in the Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22083860. [PMID: 33917911 PMCID: PMC8068229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22083860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common types of focal epilepsy, characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures originating in the temporal lobe(s), with mesial TLE (mTLE) as the worst form of TLE, often associated with hippocampal sclerosis. Abnormal epileptiform discharges are the result, among others, of altered cell-to-cell communication in both chemical and electrical transmissions. Current knowledge about the neurobiology of TLE in human patients emerges from pathological studies of biopsy specimens isolated from the epileptogenic zone or, in a few more recent investigations, from living subjects using positron emission tomography (PET). To overcome limitations related to the use of human tissue, animal models are of great help as they allow the selection of homogeneous samples still presenting a more various scenario of the epileptic syndrome, the presence of a comparable control group, and the availability of a greater amount of tissue for in vitro/ex vivo investigations. This review provides an overview of the structural and functional alterations of synaptic connections in the brain of TLE/mTLE patients and animal models.
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Luo X, Yu X, Liang J, Sun R, Li C, Jiang J. Involvement of GluA1-AMPAR-mediated LTP in time-dependent decline of cognitive function in rats with temporal lobe epilepsy. ACTA EPILEPTOLOGICA 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s42494-020-00036-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Cognitive impairment is one of the common comorbidities in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Previous studies have found significant decay of hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) in TLE rats with cognitive impairment. As the activation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptors (AMPARs) is responsible for LTP formation and learning and memory, we investigated whether AMPARs are involved in the LTP inhibition and the TLE-associated cognitive impairments.
Methods
TLE rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lithium chloride-pilocarpine on postnatal day 21 (P21). Learning and memory performance, hippocampal expression of membrane GluA1-AMPARs, and hippocampal LTP were tested by behavioral tests, western blotting, and field potential recording, respectively, at 1, 5 and 13 weeks after induction of status epilepticu (SE). Finally, the effects of (S)-AMPA, an agonist of AMPARs, on LTP and cognitive function were tested.
Results
Results of behavioral tests revealed an time-dependent decline in the learning and memory of TLE rats when compared to the age-matched controls at week 5 and 13, rather than at week 1 after the induction of SE. Western blotting showed that the hippocampal expression of membrane GluA1 was significantly decreased in a time-dependent manner in the TLE rats when compared to the age-matched controls at weeks 5 and 13, rather than at week 1 after the induction of SE. Similarly, the hippocampal LTP was inhibited in a time-dependent manner in TLE rats at weeks 5 and 13, rather than at week 1 after the induction of SE. Moreover, intra-hippocampal injection of (S)-AMPA ameliorated the deficits in learning as well as spatial and emotional memory in a dose-dependent manner, and partially reversed the inhibition of CA1 LTP in the TLE rats at week 13 after the induction of SE.
Conclusions
The reduced expression of hippocampal membrane GluA1 may be involved in LTP decay in CA1 and cognition impairment in TLE rats.
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Yang J, Jiang Q, Yu X, Xu T, Wang Y, Deng J, Liu Y, Chen Y. STK24 modulates excitatory synaptic transmission in epileptic hippocampal neurons. CNS Neurosci Ther 2020; 26:851-861. [PMID: 32436359 PMCID: PMC7366740 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction A large amount of literature has indicated that excitatory synaptic transmission plays a crucial role in epilepsy, but the detailed pathogenesis still needs to be clarified. Methods In the present study, we used samples from patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, pentylenetetrazole‐kindled mice, and Mg2+‐free‐induced epileptic cultured hippocampal neurons to detect the expression pattern of STK24. Then, the whole‐cell recording was carried out after STK24 overexpression in the Mg2+‐free‐induced epileptic cultured hippocampal neurons. In addition, coimmunoprecipitation was performed to detect the association between endogenous STK24 and main subunits of NMDARs and AMPARs in the hippocampus of PTZ‐kindled mice. Results Here, we reported that STK24 was specifically located in epileptic neurons of human and pentylenetetrazole‐kindled mice. Meanwhile, the expression of STK24 was significantly down‐regulated in these samples which are mentioned above. Besides, we found that the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents was increased in STK24 overexpressed epileptic hippocampal cultured neurons, which means the excitatory synaptic transmission was changed. Moreover, the coimmunoprecipitation, which further supported the previous experiment, indicated an association between STK24 and the subunits of the NMDA receptor. Conclusion These findings expand our understanding of how STK24 involved in the excitatory synaptic transmission in epilepsy and lay a foundation for exploring the possibility of STK24 as a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinyuan Yu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - You Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Deng
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yangmei Chen
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Deletion of the Na/HCO 3 Transporter NBCn1 Protects Hippocampal Neurons from NMDA-induced Seizures and Neurotoxicity in Mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15981. [PMID: 31690738 PMCID: PMC6831677 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52413-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Na/HCO3 cotransporter NBCn1/SLC4A7 can affect glutamate neurotoxicity in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons. Here, we examined NMDA-induced neurotoxicity in NBCn1 knockout mice to determine whether a similar effect also occurs in the mouse brain. In primary cultures of hippocampal neurons from knockouts, NMDA had no neurotoxic effects, determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent cGMP production. Male knockouts and wildtypes (6–8 weeks old) were then injected with NMDA (75 mg/kg; ip) and hippocampal neuronal damages were assessed. Wildtypes developed severe tonic-clonic seizures, whereas knockouts had mild seizure activity (motionless). In knockouts, the NOS activity, caspase-3 expression/activity and the number of TUNEL-positive cells were significantly low. Immunochemical analysis revealed decreased expression levels of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN1 and the postsynaptic density protein PSD-95 in knockouts. Extracellular recording from hippocampal slices showed no Mg2+/NMDA-mediated epileptiform events in knockouts. In conclusion, these results show a decrease in NMDA neurotoxicity by NBCn1 deletion. Given that acid extrusion has been known to prevent pH decrease and protect neurons from acid-induced damage, our study presents novel evidence that acid extrusion by NBCn1 stimulates neurotoxicity.
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Lin CY, Lim SN, Chiangn HI, Cheng MY, Chang CW, Tseng WEJ, Hsieh HY, Li HT, Wu T. Effectiveness and safety of perampanel in adults with mesial temporal epilepsy: A single-center postmarketing study in Taiwan. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e17171. [PMID: 31626082 PMCID: PMC6824632 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000017171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is a common epilepsy syndrome often refractory to antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and tolerability of perampanel (PER) as add-on treatment for patients of MTLE.We pooled retrospective data from adult patients with MTLE, from a tertiary center in Taiwan, who were prescribed PER between March 2016 and December 2016. The retention, responder, and seizure-free rate as well as the treatment emergent adverse events were assessed after 6 months of PER adjunctive treatment in this single-center postmarketing study.Review of medical records revealed that adequate data were available for 44 patients who were being administered PER (mean age: 42.0 ± 13.3 years, 24 females; baseline mean seizure frequency: 5.4 per 28 days). Twelve patients exhibited hippocampal sclerosis (HS). Open-label PER was added to ongoing medications. Twelve patients withdrew because of ineffectiveness (n = 6) or adverse effects (n = 6). The retention rate was 72.7% at 6 months. On final evaluation, with a mean PER dose of 5.7 mg/day for 6 months, a ≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 46.9% of the patients, and 5 patients became seizure-free. The effectiveness was similar for patients with or without HS. Twenty-three patients (52.3%) experienced adverse effects. The most common adverse effects were dizziness, ataxia, and irritability.Our results suggest that PER, at doses of 2 to 12 mg/day, reduces seizure frequency effectively with acceptable safety profiles for adults with MTLE.
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Vincze R, Péter M, Szabó Z, Kardos J, Héja L, Kovács Z. Connexin 43 Differentially Regulates Epileptiform Activity in Models of Convulsive and Non-convulsive Epilepsies. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:173. [PMID: 31133805 PMCID: PMC6523398 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The influence of astrocytic cell networks on neuronal network activity is an emerging issue in epilepsy. Among the various mechanisms by which astrocytes modulate neuronal function, synchronization of astrocytes via gap junction channels is widely considered to be a crucial mechanism in epileptic conditions, contributing to the synchronization of the neuronal cell networks, possibly inducing recurrent epileptiform activity. Here, we explored whether modulation of astrocytic gap junctions could alter epileptic seizures in different types of epilepsy. Opening of gap junctions by trimethylamine intensifies seizure-like events (SLEs) in the low-[Mg2+] in vitro model of temporal lobe epilepsy, while alleviates seizures in the in vivo WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. In contrast, application of the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone prevents the appearance of SLEs in the low-[Mg2+] epilepsy model, but aggravates seizures in non-convulsive absence epilepsy, in vivo. Pharmacological dissection of neuronal vs. astrocytic connexins shows that astrocytic Cx43 contribute to seizure formation to a significantly higher extent than neuronal Cx36. We conclude that astrocytic gap junctions are key players in the formation of epileptiform activity and we provide a scheme for the different mode of action in the convulsive and non-convulsive epilepsy types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Vincze
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Márton Péter
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Szabó
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Julianna Kardos
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Héja
- Functional Pharmacology Research Group, Institute of Organic Chemistry, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Kovács
- Department of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Savaria University Centre, Szombathely, Hungary
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Zhang J, Qiao N, Ding X, Wang J. Disruption of the GluA2/GAPDH complex using TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2 peptide protects against AMPAR-mediated excitotoxicity after epilepsy. Neuroreport 2019; 29:432-439. [PMID: 29489588 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Excitotoxicity and neuronal death following epilepsy involve α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). It forms a protein complex with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and co-internalizes upon activation of AMPA receptors after epilepsy. Disruption of the GluA2/GAPDH complex with an interfering peptide, TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2, protects cells against AMPAR-mediated excitotoxicity, which have been identified in in-vitro and in-vivo models of brain ischemia. We postulated that disruption of the GluA2/GAPDH interaction with the TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2 peptide would also protect against AMPAR-induced neuronal injury in an in-vivo model of status epilepticus (SE). In the present study, we divided pilocarpine-induced SE Wistar rats into three main groups: the TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2 peptide group, the TAT-GluA2NT-scram peptide group, and the normal saline group, and injected different doses of peptides stereotaxically into the hippocampus of SE rats to investigate whether the GluA2/GAPDH interaction could be disrupted by our TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2 peptide and determine its most appropriate dose. Then, the dose was administered stereotaxically at different time points after SE to determine the best administration time of neuronal protection. We found that the TAT-GluA2NT1-3-2 peptide can disrupt the GluA2/GAPDH interaction and protects against epilepsy-induced neuronal damage. The GluA2/GAPDH interaction may be a novel therapeutic target for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinghui Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
| | - Nana Qiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University
| | - Xiufang Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, Jinan Children's Hospital, Jinan, Shandong
| | - Jiwen Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Su T, Lu Y, Geng Y, Lu W, Chen Y. How could N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists Lead to Excitation Instead of Inhibition? BRAIN SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019. [DOI: 10.26599/bsa.2018.2018.9050009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors mainly known to mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. Interestingly, low-dose NMDAR antagonists lead to increased, instead of decreased, functional connectivity; and they could cause schizophrenia- and/or antidepressant-like behavior in both humans and rodents. In addition, human genetic evidences indicate that NMDAR loss of function mutations underlie certain forms of epilepsy, a disease featured with abnormal brain hyperactivity. Together, they all suggest that under certain conditions, NMDAR activation actually lead to inhibition, but not excitation, of the global neuronal network. Apparently, these phenomena are rather counterintuitive to the receptor's basic role in mediating excitatory synaptic transmission. How could it happen? Recently, this has become a crucial question in order to fully understand the complexity of NMDAR function, particularly in disease. Over the past decades, different theories have been proposed to address this question. These include theories of “NMDARs on inhibitory neurons are more sensitive to antagonism”, or “basal NMDAR activity actually inhibits excitatory synapse”, etc. Our review summarizes these efforts, and also provides an introduction of NMDARs, inhibitory neurons, and their relationships with the related diseases. Advances in the development of novel NMDAR pharmacological tools, particularly positive allosteric modulators, are also included to provide insights into potential intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonghui Su
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yang Geng
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Lu
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yelin Chen
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Biology and Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Zhand A, Sayad A, Ghafouri-Fard S, Arsang-Jang S, Mazdeh M, Taheri M. Expression analysis of GRIN2B, BDNF, and IL-1β genes in the whole blood of epileptic patients. Neurol Sci 2018; 39:1945-1953. [PMID: 30140987 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-018-3533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a brain disorder with a global prevalence of 1%. It has been attributed to genetics and environmental factors. Despite efforts to identify the molecular pathology of epilepsy, the underlying mechanism is not understood yet. This study was carried out to compare GRIN2B, BDNF, and IL-1β gene expressions in 50 patients suffering from generalized epilepsy with tonic-colonic seizures and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects using TaqMan Real-time PCR. Our results demonstrated significant upregulation of these genes in people with epilepsy compared with healthy subjects. We also found a positive correlation between GRIN2B and BDNF expression (r2=0.4619, p < 0.0001), BDNF and IL-1β expression (r2 = 0.515, p < 0.0001), and GRIN2B and IL-1β gene expressions (r2 = 0.666, p < 0.0001) which implies the possibility to estimate the expression level of these genes by assessment of expression of one of them. Considering the results of the previous animal studies which showed upregulation of these genes in brain tissues of epileptic animals, the expression levels of GRIN2B, BDNF, and IL-1β in blood samples might be related to their expression in brain samples. Future studies are needed to assess the role of these genes in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and evaluate whether altered expression of these genes along with imaging methods can facilitate subtyping the epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anoushe Zhand
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1985717443, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1985717443, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1985717443, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Clinical Research Development Center (CRDU), Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran
| | - Mehrdokht Mazdeh
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1985717443, Tehran, Iran. .,Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1985717443, Tehran, Iran.
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Absent sleep EEG spindle activity in GluA1 (Gria1) knockout mice: relevance to neuropsychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:154. [PMID: 30108203 PMCID: PMC6092338 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0199-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep EEG spindles have been implicated in attention, sensory processing, synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation. In humans, deficits in sleep spindles have been reported in a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. Genome-wide association studies have suggested a link between schizophrenia and genes associated with synaptic plasticity, including the Gria1 gene which codes for the GluA1 subunit of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor. Gria1-/- mice exhibit a phenotype relevant for neuropsychiatric disorders, including reduced synaptic plasticity and, at the behavioural level, attentional deficits leading to aberrant salience. In this study we report a striking reduction of EEG power density including the spindle-frequency range (10-15 Hz) during sleep in Gria1-/- mice. The reduction of spindle-activity in Gria1-/- mice was accompanied by longer REM sleep episodes, increased EEG slow-wave activity in the occipital derivation during baseline sleep, and a reduced rate of decline of EEG slow wave activity (0.5-4 Hz) during NREM sleep after sleep deprivation. These data provide a novel link between glutamatergic dysfunction and sleep abnormalities in a schizophrenia-relevant mouse model.
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ZDHHC8 critically regulates seizure susceptibility in epilepsy. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:795. [PMID: 30038264 PMCID: PMC6056564 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-0842-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and drug-refractory neurological disorders. Zinc finger DHHC-type containing 8 (ZDHHC8) is a putative palmitoyltransferase that is highly expressed in the brain. However, the impact of ZDHHC8 on seizures remains unclear. We aimed to explore the association of ZDHHC8 with epilepsy and investigate its in epileptogenesis in in vivo and in vitro models through behavioral, electrophysiological, and pathological studies. We used kainic acid- and pilocarpine-induced C57BL/6 mice and magnesium-free-induced pyramidal neurons as experimental epileptic models in this study. We first found increased ZDHHC8 expression in the brains of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients, similar to that observed in chronic epileptic mice, strongly suggesting that ZDHHC8 is correlated with human epilepsy. In the in vitro seizure models, knocking down ZDHHC8 using recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) delayed seizure precipitation and decreased chronic spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) and epileptiform-like discharges, while ZDHHC8 overexpression had the opposite effect. ZDHHC8 levels were consistent with seizure susceptibility in induced mice with SRSs. In an in vitro magnesium-free model, neuronal hyperexcitability and hypersynchrony were reduced in ZDHHC8-knockdown neurons but were increased in ZDHHC8-overexpressing neurons. To further explore the potential mechanisms, we observed that ZDHHC8 had a significant modulatory effect on 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) receptor-related excitatory, but not inhibitory, glutamatergic synaptic neurotransmission, further affecting the inward rectification of AMPA currents in acute hippocampal slices in whole-cell recordings. ZDHHC8 facilitated GluA1 trafficking to the neuronal surface in the hippocampus, as shown by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. These results suggest that ZDHHC8 may promote the generation and propagation of seizures in humans and that knocking down ZDHHC8 might produce anti-epileptogenic effects in drug-resistant epilepsy. Our study provides evidence that may facilitate the development of an alternative approach for the treatment of epilepsy by modulating AMPA/GluA1-mediated neurotransmission.
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MicroRNA in glutamate receptor-dependent neurological diseases. Clin Sci (Lond) 2017; 131:1591-1604. [PMID: 28667061 DOI: 10.1042/cs20170964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity is the major neuropathological process contributing to numerous neurological diseases. Recently, emerging evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in the pathophysiology of a wide range of neurological diseases. Notably, there have been significant developments in understanding the biogenesis of miRNAs, their regulatory mechanisms, and their potential as effective biomarkers and therapies. In the present review, we summarize the recent literature that highlights the versatile roles played by miRNAs in glutamate receptor (GluR)-dependent neurological diseases. Based on the reported studies to date, modulation of miRNAs could emerge as a promising therapeutic target for a variety of neurological diseases that were discussed in this review.
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Abstract
Previous studies have shown that the neuregulin 1 (NRG1)-ErbB4 signaling pathway may regulate the excitability of fast-spiking neurons in the frontal cortex and participate in primary epilepsy pathogenesis. However, the exact roles and mechanism for NRG1/ErbB4 in human symptomatic epilepsy are still unclear. Using fresh human symptomatic epilepsy tissues, we found that the protein levels of NRG1 and ErbB4 were significantly increased in the temporal cortex. In addition, NRG1-ErbB4 signaling suppressed phosphorylation of GluN2B at position 1472 by Src kinase, and decreased levels of phosphorylation level of GluN2B and Src were detected in human symptomatic epilepsy tissues. Our study revealed a critical role of the NRG1-ErbB4 signaling pathway in symptomatic epilepsy, which is different from that in primary epilepsy, and we propose that the NRG1-ErbB4 signaling may act as a homeostasis modulator that protects the brain from aggravation of epileptiform activity.
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Alsharafi WA, Xiao B, Li J. MicroRNA-139-5p negatively regulates NR2A-containing NMDA receptor in the rat pilocarpine model and patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2016; 57:1931-1940. [PMID: 27731509 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Regulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) subunits NR2A and NR2B expression during status epilepticus (SE) remains incompletely understood. Here we explored the role of brain-enriched microRNA (miR)-139-5p in this process. METHODS miRNA microarray was performed to examine changes in miRNA expression in the rat pilocarpine model following NMDA-receptor blockade. The dynamic expression patterns of miR-139-5p, NR2A, and NR2B levels were measured in rats during the three phases of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) development using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Similar expression methods were applied to hippocampi obtained from patients with TLE and from normal controls. Moreover, miR-139-5p agomir and antagomir were utilized to explore the role of miR-139-5p in determining NMDA-receptor subunit expression patterns. RESULTS We identified 18 miRNAs that were significantly altered in the rat pilocarpine model following NMDA-receptor blockade. Of these, miR-139-5p was significantly up-regulated and Grin2A was predicted as its potential putative target. In patients with TLE, miR-139-5p expression was significantly down-regulated, whereas NR2A and NR2B levels were significantly up-regulated. In the rat model of SE, miR-139-5p expression was down-regulated while NR2A was up-regulated in the acute and chronic phases, but not in the latent phase. NR2B expression was up-regulated during the three phases of TLE development. Overexpression of miR-139-5p decreased, whereas depletion of miR-139-5p enhanced the expression levels of NR2A, but not NR2B, induced by pilocarpine treatment. Of interest, NMDA nonselective antagonist and NR2A selective antagonist enhanced miR-139-5p levels suppressed by pilocarpine treatment, whereas the NR2B selective antagonist was ineffective. SIGNIFICANCE These findings elucidate the potential role of miR-139-5p in NMDA-receptor involvement in TLE development and may provide novel therapeutic targets for the future treatment of TLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walid A Alsharafi
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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Abstract
Molecular genetics has led to major advances in the study of neurological disease over the last 2 decades. Initial advances were made in understanding specific mutations that were associated with disease, such as epilepsy and other neurological conditions. In addition to specific mutations, recent research has focused on long-lasting or permanent changes in genetic expression as an underlying substrate of acquired diseases such as epilepsy. In symptomatic epilepsy, normal brain tissue is permanently altered and develops spon taneous recurrent seizures. Evidence indicates that long-lasting changes in gene expression at both tran scriptional and post-transcriptional levels are associated with epileptogenesis. The expression of transcription factors and other regulatory proteins represent a molecular mechanism for mediating these changes. Understanding the effects of severe environmental stresses on the multiple sites of transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is likely to provide important insights into the devel opment of altered neuronal function in a number of important disease states, including epilepsy. NEURO SCIENTIST 5:86-99, 1999
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J. Delorenzo
- Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology and Toxicology,
and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
| | - T. Allen Morris
- Departments of Neurology, Pharmacology and Toxicology,
and Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia
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28
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Tran L, Keele NB. CaMKIIα knockdown decreases anxiety in the open field and low serotonin-induced upregulation of GluA1 in the basolateral amygdala. Behav Brain Res 2016; 303:152-9. [PMID: 26821292 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Revised: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hyperactivation of the amygdala is implicated in anxiety and mood disorders, but the precise underlying mechanisms are unclear. We previously reported that depletion of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) using the serotonergic neurotoxin 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) potentiated learned fear and increased glutamate receptor (Glu) expression in BLA. Here we investigated the hypothesis that CaMKII facilitates anxiety-like behavior and increased Glu/AMPA receptor subunit A1 (GluA1) expression following depletion of 5-HT in the BLA. Infusion of 5,7-DHT into the BLA resulted in anxiety-like behavior in the open field test (OFT) and increased the phosphorylation of CaMKIIα (Thr-286) in the BLA. Knockdown of the CaMKIIα subunit using adeno-associated virus (AAV)-delivered shRNAi concomitantly attenuated anxiety-like behavior in the OFT and decreased GluA1 expression in the BLA. Our results suggest that the CaMKII signaling plays a key role in low 5-HT-induced anxiety and mood disturbances, potentially through regulation of GluA1 expression in the BLA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Tran
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - N Bradley Keele
- Institute for Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
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A Potential Role for Felbamate in TSC- and NF1-Related Epilepsy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Case Rep Neurol Med 2015; 2015:960746. [PMID: 26579319 PMCID: PMC4633543 DOI: 10.1155/2015/960746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A 15-year-old girl with maternal inheritance of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and paternal inheritance of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) developed intractable epilepsy at age 5. Her seizures were refractory to adequate doses of four antiepileptic medications until felbamate was initiated at age 7. She has since remained seizure-free on felbamate monotherapy. Although felbamate has multiple mechanisms of action, it is thought to have its most potent antiepileptic effects through inhibition of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Previous studies have shown that the NMDAR is altered in varying epilepsy syndromes and notably in the cortical tubers found in TSC. The aim of this paper is to examine how felbamate monotherapy was able to achieve such robust antiepileptic effects in a unique patient and possibly offer a novel therapeutic approach to patients suffering from TSC- and NF-related epilepsy.
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Yilmazer-Hanke D, O'Loughlin E, McDermott K. Contribution of amygdala pathology to comorbid emotional disturbances in temporal lobe epilepsy. J Neurosci Res 2015; 94:486-503. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Yilmazer-Hanke
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine; Creighton University; Omaha Nebraska
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience; University College; Cork Ireland
| | - Elaine O'Loughlin
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience; University College; Cork Ireland
- Ann Romney Centre for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital; Harvard Medical School; Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kieran McDermott
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience; University College; Cork Ireland
- Graduate Entry Medical School; University of Limerick; Limerick Ireland
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Enhanced expression of potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2 in human temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain Struct Funct 2015; 221:3601-15. [PMID: 26427846 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-015-1122-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Synaptic reorganization in the epileptic hippocampus involves altered excitatory and inhibitory transmission besides the rearrangement of dendritic spines, resulting in altered excitability, ion homeostasis, and cell swelling. The potassium-chloride cotransporter-2 (KCC2) is the main chloride extruder in neurons and hence will play a prominent role in determining the polarity of GABAA receptor-mediated chloride currents. In addition, KCC2 also interacts with the actin cytoskeleton which is critical for dendritic spine morphogenesis, and for the maintenance of glutamatergic synapses and cell volume. Using immunocytochemistry, we examined the cellular and subcellular levels of KCC2 in surgically removed hippocampi of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients and compared them to control human tissue. We also studied the distribution of KCC2 in a pilocarpine mouse model of epilepsy. An overall increase in KCC2-expression was found in epilepsy and confirmed by Western blots. The cellular and subcellular distributions in control mouse and human samples were largely similar; moreover, changes affecting KCC2-expression were also alike in chronic epileptic human and mouse hippocampi. At the subcellular level, we determined the neuronal elements exhibiting enhanced KCC2 expression. In epileptic tissue, staining became more intense in the immunopositive elements detected in control tissue, and profiles with subthreshold expression of KCC2 in control samples became labelled. Positive interneuron somata and dendrites were more numerous in epileptic hippocampi, despite severe interneuron loss. Whether the elevation of KCC2-expression is ultimately a pro- or anticonvulsive change, or both-behaving differently during ictal and interictal states in a context-dependent manner-remains to be established.
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Snowball A, Schorge S. Changing channels in pain and epilepsy: Exploiting ion channel gene therapy for disorders of neuronal hyperexcitability. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1620-34. [PMID: 25979170 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain and epilepsy together affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide. While traditional pharmacotherapy provides essential relief to the majority of patients, a large proportion remains resistant, and surgical intervention is only possible for a select few. As both disorders are characterised by neuronal hyperexcitability, manipulating the expression of the most direct modulators of excitability - ion channels - represents an attractive common treatment strategy. A number of viral gene therapy approaches have been explored to achieve this. These range from the up- or down-regulation of channels that control excitability endogenously, to the delivery of exogenous channels that permit manipulation of excitability via optical or chemical means. In this review we highlight the key experimental successes of each approach and discuss the challenges facing their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Snowball
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Stephanie Schorge
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London WC1N 3BG, UK.
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Huberfeld G, Blauwblomme T, Miles R. Hippocampus and epilepsy: Findings from human tissues. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2015; 171:236-51. [PMID: 25724711 PMCID: PMC4409112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2015.01.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Surgical removal of the epileptogenic zone provides an effective therapy for several focal epileptic syndromes. This surgery offers the opportunity to study pathological activity in living human tissue for pharmacoresistant partial epilepsy syndromes including temporal lobe epilepsies with hippocampal sclerosis, cortical dysplasias, epilepsies associated with tumors and developmental malformations. Slices of tissue from patients with these syndromes retain functional neuronal networks and may generate epileptic activities. The properties of cells in this tissue may not be greatly changed, but excitatory synaptic transmission is often enhanced and GABAergic inhibition is preserved. Typically epileptic activity is not generated spontaneously by the neocortex, whether dysplastic or not, but can be induced by convulsants. The initiation of ictal discharges in the neocortex depends on both GABAergic signaling and increased extracellular potassium. In contrast, a spontaneous interictal-like activity is generated by tissues from patients with temporal lobe epilepsies associated with hippocampal sclerosis. This activity is initiated, not in the hippocampus but in the subiculum, an output region, which projects to the entorhinal cortex. Interictal events seem to be triggered by GABAergic cells, which paradoxically excite about 20% of subicular pyramidal cells while simultaneously inhibiting the majority. Interictal discharges thus depend on both GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. The depolarizing effects of GABA depend on a pathological elevation in levels of chloride in some subicular cells, similar to those of developmentally immature cells. Such defect is caused by a perturbed expression of the cotransporters regulating intracellular chloride concentration, the importer NKCC1 and the extruder KCC2. Blockade of NKCC1 actions by the diuretic bumetanide restores intracellular chloride and thus hyperpolarizing GABAergic actions and consequently suppressing interictal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Huberfeld
- Département de neurophysiologie, Sorbonne universités, UPMC - université Paris 06, UPMC, CHU de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47-83, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France; INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity, University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CEA, 12, rue de l'École-de-Médecine, 75006 Paris, France.
| | - T Blauwblomme
- INSERM Unit U1129 Infantile Epilepsies and Brain Plasticity, University Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, CEA, 12, rue de l'École-de-Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Neurosurgery Department, Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, University Paris Descartes, PRES Sorbonne Paris Cité, 12, rue de l'École-de-Médecine, 75006 Paris, France
| | - R Miles
- Inserm U1127, CNRS UMR7225, Sorbonne universités, UPMC - université Paris 6 UMR S1127, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière, 47, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France
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Kandratavicius L, Peixoto-Santos JE, Monteiro MR, Scandiuzzi RC, Carlotti CG, Assirati JA, Hallak JE, Leite JP. Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with psychiatric comorbidities: a place for differential neuroinflammatory interplay. J Neuroinflammation 2015; 12:38. [PMID: 25889039 PMCID: PMC4347571 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-015-0266-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the strong association between epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, few biological substrates are currently described. We have previously reported neuropathological alterations in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients with major depression and psychosis that suggest a morphological and neurochemical basis for psychopathological symptoms. Neuroinflammatory-related structures and molecules might be part of the altered neurochemical milieu underlying the association between epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, and such features have not been previously investigated in humans. METHODS MTLE hippocampi of subjects without psychiatric history (MTLEW), MTLE + major depression (MTLE + D), and MTLE + interictal psychosis (MTLE + P) derived from epilepsy surgery and control necropsies were investigated for reactive astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)), activated microglia (human leukocyte antigen, MHC class II (HLA-DR)), glial metallothionein-I/II (MT-I/II), and aquaporin 4 (AQP4) immunohistochemistry. RESULTS We found an increased GFAP immunoreactive area in the molecular layers, granule cell layer, and cornus ammonis region 2 (CA2) and cornus ammonis region 1 (CA1) of MTLEW and MTLE + P, respectively, compared to MTLE + D. HLA-DR immunoreactive area was higher in cornus ammonis region 3 (CA3) of MTLE + P, compared to MTLE + D and MTLEW, and in the hilus, when compared to MTLEW. MTLEW cases showed increased MT-I/II area in the granule cell layer and CA1, compared to MTLE + P, and in the parasubiculum, when compared to MTLE + D and MTLE + P. Differences between MTLE and control, such as astrogliosis, microgliosis, increased MT-I/II, and decreased perivascular AQP4 in the epileptogenic hippocampus, were in agreement to what is currently described in the literature. CONCLUSIONS Neuroinflammatory-related molecules in MTLE hippocampus show a distinct pattern of expression when patients present with a comorbid psychiatric diagnosis, similar to what is found in the pure forms of schizophrenia and major depression. Future studies focusing on inflammatory characteristics of MTLE with psychiatric comorbidities might help in the design of better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludmyla Kandratavicius
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), USP, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
| | - Jose Eduardo Peixoto-Santos
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mariana Raquel Monteiro
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | - Renata Caldo Scandiuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Jaime Eduardo Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), USP, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil. .,National Institute of Science and Technology in Translational Medicine (INCT-TM - CNPq), Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
| | - Joao Pereira Leite
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo (USP), Av Bandeirantes 3900, CEP 14049-900, Ribeirao Preto, SP, Brazil. .,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), USP, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil.
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Kandratavicius L, Hallak JE, Carlotti CG, Assirati JA, Leite JP. Neurotrophin receptors expression in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with and without psychiatric comorbidities and their relation with seizure type and surgical outcome. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2014; 2:81. [PMID: 25027171 PMCID: PMC4149196 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-014-0081-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities are frequently associated, but their common biological substrate is unknown. We have previously reported altered structural elements and neurotrophins (NTs) expression in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients with psychiatric comorbidities. NTs receptors can regulate neurotransmission and promote neuroplasticity, being important candidates in the regulation and manifestation of psychopatological states and seizure-related events. MTLE hippocampi of subjects without psychiatric history, MTLE + major depression, MTLE + interictal psychosis derived from epilepsy surgery, and control necropsies were investigated for p75NTR, TrkB, TrkA, and TrkC immunohistochemistry. Increased expression of p75NTR, decreased TrkA, unaltered TrkC, and complex alterations involving TrkB expression were seen in MTLE groups. Increased TrkB expression in patients without complete seizure remission and in those with secondarily generalized seizures was seen. Decreased p75NTR expression associated with interictal psychosis, and increased TrkB in those with psychosis or major depression was also reported, although their p75NTR/TrkB ratios were lower than in MTLE without psychiatric comorbidities. Our results provide evidence of alterations in expression of NTs receptors in the epileptogenic hippocampus that are differentially modulated in presence of psychiatric comorbidities. As already explored in animal models, even in chronic human MTLE increased TrkB expression, among other NT receptors alterations, may play a major role in seizure type, frequency and surgery outcome.
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Citraro R, Aiello R, Franco V, De Sarro G, Russo E. Targeting α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors in epilepsy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:319-34. [PMID: 24387310 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.874416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite epilepsies being between the oldest and most studied neurological diseases, new treatment remains an unmet need of scientific research due to the high percentage of refractory patients. Several studies have identified new suitable anti-seizure targets. Glutamate activation of α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs) have long ago been identified as suitable targets for the development of anti seizure drugs. AREAS COVERED Here, we describe: i) AMPARs' structure and their involvement and role during seizures and in epilepsy and ii) the efficacy of AMPAR antagonists in preclinical models of seizures and epilepsy. EXPERT OPINION The physiological and pathological role of AMPAR in the CNS and the development of AMPAR antagonists have recently gained attention considering their recent involvement in status epilepticus and the marketing of perampanel. The need for new anti-seizure drugs represents a major challenge in both preclinical and clinical epilepsy. The introduction into the market of perampanel for the treatment of epilepsy will shed new light on the real potential of AMPAR antagonism in clinical settings outside the limited world of clinical trials. While research will go on in this area, fundamental will be the post-marketing evaluation of perampanel efficacy and tolerability and a better definition of the role of this receptor in the epileptic brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department , Catanzaro , Italy
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Curia G, Lucchi C, Vinet J, Gualtieri F, Marinelli C, Torsello A, Costantino L, Biagini G. Pathophysiogenesis of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: is prevention of damage antiepileptogenic? Curr Med Chem 2014; 21:663-88. [PMID: 24251566 PMCID: PMC4101766 DOI: 10.2174/0929867320666131119152201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/04/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is frequently associated with hippocampal sclerosis, possibly caused by a primary brain injury that occurred a long time before the appearance of neurological symptoms. This type of epilepsy is characterized by refractoriness to drug treatment, so to require surgical resection of mesial temporal regions involved in seizure onset. Even this last therapeutic approach may fail in giving relief to patients. Although prevention of hippocampal damage and epileptogenesis after a primary event could be a key innovative approach to TLE, the lack of clear data on the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to TLE does not allow any rational therapy. Here we address the current knowledge on mechanisms supposed to be involved in epileptogenesis, as well as on the possible innovative treatments that may lead to a preventive approach. Besides loss of principal neurons and of specific interneurons, network rearrangement caused by axonal sprouting and neurogenesis are well known phenomena that are integrated by changes in receptor and channel functioning and modifications in other cellular components. In particular, a growing body of evidence from the study of animal models suggests that disruption of vascular and astrocytic components of the blood-brain barrier takes place in injured brain regions such as the hippocampus and piriform cortex. These events may be counteracted by drugs able to prevent damage to the vascular component, as in the case of the growth hormone secretagogue ghrelin and its analogues. A thoroughly investigation on these new pharmacological tools may lead to design effective preventive therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - G Biagini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze, Laboratorio di Epilettologia Sperimentale, Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia, Via Campi, 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
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Neurotrophins in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with and without psychiatric comorbidities. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2013; 72:1029-42. [PMID: 24128677 DOI: 10.1097/nen.0000000000000002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the strong association between epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, data on clinicopathologic correlations are scant. We previously reported differential mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients with psychosis (MTLE + P) and major depression (MTLE + D). Because neurotrophins (NTs) can promote MFS, here, we investigated MFS, neuronal density and immunoreactivity for the NT nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin 3 (NT3) in hippocampi of 14 MTLE patients without a psychiatric history, 13 MTLE + D, 13 MTLE + P, and 10 control necropsies. Mossy fiber sprouting correlated with granular layer NGF immunoreactivity and seizure frequency. Patients with secondarily generalized seizures exhibited less NGF immunoreactivity versus patients with complex partial seizures. There was greater NT immunoreactivity in MTLE versus control groups but lesser NT immunoreactivity in MTLE + P versus MTLE patients; these findings correlated with neuropsychologic scores. Patients with MTLE + D taking fluoxetine showed greater BDNF immunoreactivity than those not taking fluoxetine; MTLE + P patients taking haloperidol had decreased neuronal density and immunoreactivity for NGF and BDNF in specific subfields versus those not taking haloperidol. There were no differences in NT3 immunoreactivity among the groups. These findings support a close association between MFS and NT expression in the hippocampi of MTLE patients and suggest that distinct structural and neurochemical milieu may contribute to the genesis or maintenance of psychiatric comorbidities in MTLE.
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Microtubule-associated proteins in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with and without psychiatric comorbidities and their relation with granular cell layer dispersion. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:960126. [PMID: 24069608 PMCID: PMC3771259 DOI: 10.1155/2013/960126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background. Despite strong association between epilepsy and psychiatric comorbidities, biological substrates are unknown. We have previously reported decreased mossy fiber sprouting in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients with psychosis and increased in those with major depression. Microtubule associated proteins (MAPs) are essentially involved in dendritic and synaptic sprouting. Methods. MTLE hippocampi of subjects without psychiatric history, MTLE + major depression, and MTLE + interictal psychosis derived from epilepsy surgery and control necropsies were investigated for neuronal density, granular layer dispersion, and MAP2 and tau immunohistochemistry. Results. Altered MAP2 and tau expression in MTLE and decreased tau expression in MTLE with psychosis were found. Granular layer dispersion correlated inversely with verbal memory scores, and with MAP2 and tau expression in the entorhinal cortex. Patients taking fluoxetine showed increased neuronal density in the granular layer and those taking haloperidol decreased neuronal density in CA3 and subiculum. Conclusions. Our results indicate relations between MAPs, granular layer dispersion, and memory that have not been previously investigated. Differential MAPs expression in human MTLE hippocampi with and without psychiatric comorbidities suggests that psychopathological states in MTLE rely on differential morphological and possibly neurochemical backgrounds. This clinical study was approved by our institution's Research Ethics Board (HC-FMRP no. 1270/2008) and is registered under the Brazilian National System of Information on Ethics in Human Research (SISNEP) no. 0423.0.004.000-07.
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Liang W, Lam WP, Tang HC, Leung PC, Yew DT. Current Evidence of Chinese Herbal Constituents with Effects on NMDA Receptor Blockade. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2013; 6:1039-54. [PMID: 24276380 PMCID: PMC3817734 DOI: 10.3390/ph6081039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA receptor (NMDA-R) is an important molecular entity governing a wide range of functions in the central nervous system. For example, the NMDA-R is involved in memory and cognition, and impairment of both (as in Alzheimer's Disease) is attributed to NMDA-mediated neurotoxicity. With greater understanding of the NMDA-R structure, antagonists with varying degrees of binding-site and subtype selectivity have been developed and put into clinical use. Discovery of target-specific Chinese herbs have also been made in parallel. This article provides an overview of the known active sites on the NMDA-R, followed by a discussion of the relevant herbs and their constituents. Experimental evidence supporting the inhibitory role of the herbal compounds on the NMDA-R is highlighted. For some of the compounds, potential research directions are also proposed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the herbs. It is envisaged that future investigations based on the present data will allow more clinically relevant herbs to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willmann Liang
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
| | | | | | | | - David T. Yew
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; E-Mails: (W.P.L.); (H.C.T.); (P.C.L.)
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Tejada J, Costa KM, Bertti P, Garcia-Cairasco N. The epilepsies: complex challenges needing complex solutions. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 26:212-28. [PMID: 23146364 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2012.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that epilepsies are complex syndromes due to their multi-factorial origins and manifestations. Different mathematical and computational descriptions use appropriate methods to address nonlinear relationships, chaotic behaviors and emergent properties. These theoretical approaches can be divided into two major categories: descriptive, such as flowcharts, graphs and other statistical analyses, and explicative, which include both realistic and abstract models. Although these modeling tools have brought great advances, a common framework to guide their design, implementation and evaluation, with the goal of future integration, is still needed. In the current review, we discuss two examples of complexity analysis that can be performed with epilepsy data: behavioral sequences of temporal lobe seizures and alterations in an experimental cellular model. We also highlight the importance of the creation of model repositories for the epileptology field and encourage the development of mathematical descriptions of complex systems, together with more accurate simulation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julián Tejada
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
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Müller L, Tokay T, Porath K, Köhling R, Kirschstein T. Enhanced NMDA receptor-dependent LTP in the epileptic CA1 area via upregulation of NR2B. Neurobiol Dis 2013; 54:183-93. [PMID: 23313317 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2012.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Impairment of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) is a common finding in various animal models of a number of neurodegenerative disorders. While cognitive deficits associated with these models are plausibly attributed to impaired plasticity, it is an intriguing question whether learning impairment correlates in general with compromised synaptic plasticity. In the present study, we have addressed this issue and discovered an enhancement of theta-burst stimulation-induced LTP at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses from chronically epileptic animals. The LTP enhancement was abolished by the NMDA receptor 2B (NR2B) blocker Ro 25-6981 (1μM) while it was preserved following application of the NR2A blocker NVP-AAM077 (50nM). Moreover, pharmacological characterization of intracellularly recorded excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSP) from CA1 pyramidal neurons indicated an increased NR2B/NR2A ratio in epileptic tissue, and NMDA receptor mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents showed significantly longer decay times. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR confirmed the transcriptional up-regulation of NR2B-mRNA in chronically epileptic animals. To test the significance for epileptiform activity, recurrent epileptiform discharges (REDs) in the CA1 area induced by bath application of either high K(+) (8mM) plus gabazine (5μM) or 4-aminopyridine (50μM), were also characterized pharmacologically. While in control slices the presence of Ro 25-6981 had no effect on the RED frequency, NR2B inhibition significantly increased epileptic activity in tissue from epileptic animals. Our results demonstrate that CA1 synapses in chronically epileptic tissue can undergo an LTP enhancement due to an NR2B up-regulation in CA1 pyramidal neurons. On the network level, this up-regulation appears to be a compensatory process, since blockade of these receptors leaves the tissue more susceptible to hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Müller
- Oscar Langendorff Institute of Physiology, University of Rostock, Gertrudenstrasse 9, 18057 Rostock, Germany
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Butler T, Weisholtz D, Isenberg N, Harding E, Epstein J, Stern E, Silbersweig D. Neuroimaging of frontal-limbic dysfunction in schizophrenia and epilepsy-related psychosis: toward a convergent neurobiology. Epilepsy Behav 2012; 23:113-22. [PMID: 22209327 PMCID: PMC3339259 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2011] [Revised: 09/28/2011] [Accepted: 11/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Psychosis is a devastating, prevalent condition considered to involve dysfunction of frontal and medial temporal limbic brain regions as key nodes in distributed brain networks involved in emotional regulation. The psychoses of epilepsy represent an important, though understudied, model relevant to understanding the pathophysiology of psychosis in general. In this review, we (1) discuss the classification of epilepsy-related psychoses and relevant neuroimaging and other studies; (2) review structural and functional neuroimaging studies of schizophrenia focusing on evidence of frontal-limbic dysfunction; (3) report our laboratory's PET, fMRI, and electrophysiological findings; (4) describe a theoretical framework in which frontal hypoactivity and intermittent medial temporal hyperactivity play a critical role in the etiopathology of psychosis both associated and unassociated with epilepsy; and (5) suggest avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy Butler
- NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Department of Neurology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Daniel Weisholtz
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Nancy Isenberg
- Division of Behavioral Neurology, New Jersey Neuroscience Institute, Edison, NJ
| | - Elizabeth Harding
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jane Epstein
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Emily Stern
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David Silbersweig
- Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Ghasemi M, Schachter SC. The NMDA receptor complex as a therapeutic target in epilepsy: a review. Epilepsy Behav 2011; 22:617-40. [PMID: 22056342 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2011.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 07/01/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A substantial amount of research has shown that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) may play a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurological diseases, including epilepsy. Animal models of epilepsy and clinical studies demonstrate that NMDAR activity and expression can be altered in association with epilepsy and particularly in some specific seizure types. NMDAR antagonists have been shown to have antiepileptic effects in both clinical and preclinical studies. There is some evidence that conventional antiepileptic drugs may also affect NMDAR function. In this review, we describe the evidence for the involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provide an overview of NMDAR antagonists that have been investigated in clinical trials and animal models of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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45
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Amygdala gene expression of NMDA and GABAA receptors in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Hippocampus 2010; 22:92-7. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2010] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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46
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Potential role for ligand-gated ion channels after seizure-induced neurogenesis. Biochem Soc Trans 2009; 37:1419-22. [DOI: 10.1042/bst0371419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Epileptic seizures result in an increased generation of new neurons in the dentate gyrus of the adult mammalian hippocampus. The role of these seizure-induced newborn neurons in the process of epileptogenesis remains largely unknown. Recent work, however, suggests an aberrant incorporation of newborn cells into the existing hippocampal network in such a way that they promote hippocampal hyperexcitability. In the present review, we discuss current knowledge about the possible role of seizure-induced newly generated neurons and the putative involvement of ligand-gated ion channels in the process of epileptogenesis.
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Demont-Guignard S, Benquet P, Gerber U, Wendling F. Analysis of intracerebral EEG recordings of epileptic spikes: insights from a neural network model. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2009; 56:2782-95. [PMID: 19651549 DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2009.2028015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The pathophysiological interpretation of EEG signals recorded with depth electrodes [i.e., local field potentials (LFPs)] during interictal (between seizures) or ictal (during seizures) periods is fundamental in the presurgical evaluation of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Our objective was to explain specific shape features of interictal spikes in the hippocampus (observed in LFPs) in terms of cell- and network-related parameters of neuronal circuits that generate these events. We developed a neural network model based on "minimal" but biologically relevant neuron models interconnected through GABAergic and glutamatergic synapses that reproduce the main physiological features of the CA1 subfield. Simulated LFPs were obtained by solving the forward problem (dipole theory) from networks including a large number ( approximately 3000) of cells. Insertion of appropriate parameters allowed the model to simulate events that closely resemble actual epileptic spikes. Moreover, the shape of the early fast component ("spike'') and the late slow component ("negative wave'') was linked to the relative contribution of glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic currents in pyramidal cells. In addition, the model provides insights about the sensitivity of electrode localization with respect to recorded tissue volume and about the relationship between the LFP and the intracellular activity of principal cells and interneurons represented in the network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Demont-Guignard
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U642, Rennes F-35000, France
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48
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Huberfeld G, Clemenceau S, Cohen I, Pallud J, Wittner L, Navarro V, Baulac M, Miles R. [Epileptiform activities generated in vitro by human temporal lobe tissue]. Neurochirurgie 2008; 54:148-58. [PMID: 18420229 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuchi.2008.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2008] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Drug-resistant partial epilepsies, including temporal lobe epilepsies with hippocampal sclerosis and cortical dysplasias, offer the opportunity to study human epileptic activity in vitro since the preferred therapy often consists of the surgical removal of the epileptogenic zone. Slices of this tissue retain functional neuronal networks and may generate epileptic activity. The properties of cells in this tissue do not seem to be significantly changed, but excitatory synaptic characteristics are enhanced and GABAergic inhibition is preserved. Typically, epileptic activity is not generated spontaneously by the neocortex, whether dysplastic or not, but can be induced by convulsants. The initiation of ictal discharges in neocortex depends on both GABAergic signaling and increased extracellular potassium. In contrast, a spontaneous interictal-like activity is generated by tissues from patients with temporal lobe epilepsies associated with hippocampal sclerosis. This activity is initiated not in the hippocampus but in the subiculum, an output region that projects to the entorhinal cortex. Interictal events seem to be triggered by GABAergic cells, which paradoxically excite approximately 20% of subicular pyramidal cells, while simultaneously inhibiting the majority. Interictal discharges are therefore sustained by both GABAergic and glutamatergic signaling. The atypical depolarizing effects of GABA depend on a pathological elevation in the basal levels of chloride in some subicular cells, similar to those of developmentally immature cells. This defect is caused by the perturbation of the expression of the cotransporters regulating the intracellular chloride concentration, the importer NKCC1, and the extruder KCC2. Blockade of excessive NKCC1 by the diuretic bumetanide restores intracellular chloride and thus hyperpolarizing GABAergic actions, suppressing interictal activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Huberfeld
- Inserm U739 Cortex & Epilepsie, université Pierre-et-Marie-Curie, CHU de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, 105, boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France.
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El-Hassar L, Esclapez M, Bernard C. Hyperexcitability of the CA1 hippocampal region during epileptogenesis. Epilepsia 2007; 48 Suppl 5:131-9. [PMID: 17910593 DOI: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01301.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) is often preceded by a latent (seizure-free) period during which complex network reorganizations occur. In experimental epilepsy, network hyperexcitability is already present during the latent period, suggesting a modification of information processing. The purpose of this study was to assess the input/output relationship in the hippocampal CA1 region during epileptogenesis. Field recordings in strata pyramidale and radiatum were used to measure the output of CA1 pyramidal cells as a function of the synaptic inputs they receive following the stimulation of Shaffer collaterals in slices obtained from sham and pilocarpine-treated animals during the latent and chronic periods. We show that there is a transient increase of the input and output field responses during the latent period as compared to sham and epileptic animals. The coupling between excitatory inputs and cell firing was also increased during the latent period. This increase persisted in epileptic animals, although to a lesser extent. We also confirm that paired-pulse facilitation occurs before the chronic phase. The present data further support the view that hyperexcitability is present at an early stage of epileptogenesis. Network output is more facilitated during the latent than during the chronic period. Hyperexcitability may participate to epileptogenesis, but it is not sufficient in itself to produce seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynda El-Hassar
- INMED-INSERM U29, Université de la Méditerranée, Marseille, France
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50
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Jiang Q, Wang J, Wu X, Jiang Y. Alterations of NR2B and PSD-95 expression after early-life epileptiform discharges in developing neurons. Int J Dev Neurosci 2007; 25:165-70. [PMID: 17428633 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2007.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2006] [Revised: 02/04/2007] [Accepted: 02/12/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As an extreme form of abnormally synchronized activity, epilepsy may modify patterns of organization in the nervous system. It is clear that enhanced glutamatergic excitatory synaptic transmission with alterations in the expression of ionotropic glutamate receptors is a mechanism critical for seizure susceptibility and excitotoxicity. However, the exact quomodo and the roles of regulated N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) composition and expression of a major postsynaptic density (PSD) scaffolding molecule, PSD-95, are as yet unclear. To study protein expression changes after epileptiform discharges in cultured immature rat cortical neurons, we divided cells into three groups which were transiently exposed to regular Neurobasal/B27 (control group), physiological solution (PS group) and magnesium-free physiological solution (MGF group) at cultured day 6. Neurons at three different culture ages (DIV7, DIV12 and DIV17) were collected for immunoblotting analysis. We found a decrease in expression of NR2B NMDAR subunit and PSD-95 (P<0.05) shortly after insult (within 24 h), which may show that brief magnesium-free media treatment of primary cultured rat cortical neurons, an in vitro model of seizure brain injury, has a major influence on the expression of NR2B subunit and PSD-95.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
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