Seizures Cause Prolonged Impairment of Ventilation, CO2 Chemoreception and Thermoregulation

Enhancing the action of serotonin by three different mechanisms prevents spontaneous seizure-induced mortality in Dravet mice

OBJECTIVE

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is an underestimated complication of epilepsy. Previous studies have demonstrated that enhancement of serotonergic neurotransmission suppresses seizure-induced sudden death in evoked seizure models. However, it is unclear whether elevated serotonin (5-HT) function will prevent spontaneous seizure-induced mortality (SSIM), which is characteristic of human SUDEP. We examined the effects of 5-HT-enhancing agents that act by three different pharmacological mechanisms on SSIM in Dravet mice, which exhibit a high incidence of SUDEP, modeling human Dravet syndrome.

METHODS

Dravet mice of both sexes were evaluated for spontaneous seizure characterization and changes in SSIM incidence induced by agents that enhance 5-HT-mediated neurotransmission. Fluoxetine (a selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor), fenfluramine (a 5-HT releaser and agonist), SR 57227 (a specific 5-HT3 receptor agonist), or saline (vehicle) was intraperitoneally administered over an 8-day period in Dravet mice, and the effect of these treatments on SSIM was examined.

RESULTS

Spontaneous seizures in Dravet mice generally progressed from wild running to tonic seizures with or without SSIM. Fluoxetine at 30 mg/kg, but not at 20 or 5 mg/kg, significantly reduced SSIM compared with the vehicle control. Fenfluramine at 1-10 mg/kg, but not .2 mg/kg, fully protected Dravet mice from SSIM, with all mice surviving. Compared with the vehicle control, SR 57227 at 20 mg/kg, but not at 10 or 5 mg/kg, significantly lowered SSIM. The effect of these drugs on SSIM was independent of sex.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our data demonstrate that elevating serotonergic function by fluoxetine, fenfluramine, or SR 57227 significantly reduces or eliminates SSIM in Dravet mice in a sex-independent manner. These findings suggest that deficits in serotonergic neurotransmission likely play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSIM, and fluoxetine and fenfluramine, which are US Food and Drug Administration-approved medications, may potentially prevent SUDEP in at-risk patients.

Interneuron FGF13 regulates seizure susceptibility via a sodium channel-independent mechanism

Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs), a class of devastating neurological disorders characterized by recurrent seizures and exacerbated by disruptions to excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain, are commonly caused by mutations in ion channels. Disruption of, or variants in, FGF13 were implicated as causal for a set of DEEs, but the underlying mechanisms were clouded because FGF13 is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, FGF13 undergoes extensive alternative splicing producing multiple isoforms with distinct functions, and the overall roles of FGF13 in neurons are incompletely cataloged. To overcome these challenges, we generated a set of novel cell type-specific conditional knockout mice. Interneuron-targeted deletion of Fgf13 led to perinatal mortality associated with extensive seizures and impaired the hippocampal inhibitory/excitatory balance while excitatory neuron-targeted deletion of Fgf13 caused no detectable seizures and no survival deficits. While best studied as a voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav) regulator, we observed no effect of Fgf13 ablation in interneurons on Navs but rather a marked reduction in K+ channel currents. Re-expressing different Fgf13 splice isoforms could partially rescue deficits in interneuron excitability and restore K+ channel current amplitude. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms that drive the pathogenesis of Fgf13-related seizures and expand our understanding of FGF13 functions in different neuron subsets.

Are we there yet? A critical evaluation of sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy models

Although animal models have helped to elaborate meaningful hypotheses about the pathophysiology of sudden and unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), specific prevention strategies are still lacking, potentially reflecting the limitations of these models and the intrinsic difficulties of investigating SUDEP. The interpretation of preclinical data and their translation to diagnostic and therapeutic developments in patients thus require a high level of confidence in their relevance to model the human situation. Preclinical models of SUDEP are heterogeneous and include rodent and nonrodent species. A critical aspect is whether the animals have isolated seizures exclusively induced by a specific trigger, such as models where seizures are elicited by electrical stimulation, pharmacological intervention, or DBA mouse strains, or whether they suffer from epilepsy with spontaneous seizures, with or without spontaneous SUDEP, either of nongenetic epilepsy etiology or from genetically based developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. All these models have advantages and potential disadvantages, but it is important to be aware of these limitations to interpret data appropriately in a translational perspective. The majority of models with spontaneous seizures are of a genetic basis, whereas SUDEP cases with a genetic basis represent only a small proportion of the total number. In almost all models, cardiorespiratory arrest occurs during the course of the seizure, contrary to that in patients observed at the time of death, potentially raising the issue of whether we are studying models of SUDEP or models of periseizure death. However, some of these limitations are impossible to avoid and can in part be dependent on specific features of SUDEP, which may be difficult to model. Several preclinical tools are available to address certain gaps in SUDEP pathophysiology, which can be used to further validate current preclinical models.

A Water Nymph's Curse and the Serotonergic Mechanism of Postictal Breathing Dysfunction

Seizures Cause Prolonged Impairment of Ventilation, CO2 Chemoreception and Thermoregulation Teran FA, Sainju RK, Bravo E, Wagnon J, Kim Y, Granner A, Gehlbach BK, Richerson GB. J Neurosci . 2023;43(27):4959-4971. doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0450-23.2023 . PMID: 37160367 Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has been linked to respiratory dysfunction, but the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. Here we found that both focal and generalized convulsive seizures (GCSs) in epilepsy patients caused a prolonged decrease in the hypercapnic ventilatory response (HCVR; a measure of respiratory CO2 chemoreception). We then studied Scn1a R1407X/+ (Dravet syndrome; DS) and Scn8a N1768D/+ (D/+) mice of both sexes, two models of SUDEP, and found that convulsive seizures caused a postictal decrease in ventilation and severely depressed the HCVR in a subset of animals. Those mice with severe postictal depression of the HCVR also exhibited transient postictal hypothermia. A combination of blunted HCVR and abnormal thermoregulation is known to occur with dysfunction of the serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) system in mice. Depleting 5-HT with para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) mimicked seizure-induced hypoventilation, partially occluded the postictal decrease in the HCVR, exacerbated hypothermia, and increased postictal mortality in DS mice. Conversely, pretreatment with the 5-HT agonist fenfluramine reduced postictal inhibition of the HCVR and hypothermia. These results are consistent with the previous observation that seizures cause transient impairment of serotonergic neuron function, which would be expected to inhibit the many aspects of respiratory control dependent on 5-HT, including baseline ventilation and the HCVR. These results provide a scientific rationale to investigate the interictal and/or postictal HCVR as noninvasive biomarkers for those at high risk of seizure-induced death, and to prevent SUDEP by enhancing postictal 5-HT tone.

Wearable detection of tonic seizures in childhood epilepsy: An exploratory cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the performance of a multimodal wearable device for the offline detection of tonic seizures (TS) in a pediatric childhood epilepsy cohort, with a focus on patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

METHODS

Parallel with prolonged video-electroencephalography (EEG), the Plug 'n Patch system, a multimodal wearable device using the Sensor Dot and replaceable electrode adhesives, was used to detect TS. Multiple biosignals were recorded: behind-the-ear EEG, surface electromyography, electrocardiography, and accelerometer/gyroscope. Biosignals were annotated blindly by a neurologist. Seizure characteristics were described, and performance was assessed by sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), F1 score, and false alarm rate (FAR) per hour. Performance was compared to seizure diaries kept by the caretaker.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine TS were detected in 13 patients. Seven patients (54%) had Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and six patients (46%) had other forms of (developmental) epileptic encephalopathies or drug-resistant epilepsy. All but one patient had intellectual disability. Overall sensitivity was 41%, with a PPV of 9%, an F1 score of 14%, and a median FAR per hour of 0.75. Performance increased to an F1 score of 66% for nightly seizures lasting at least 10 s (sensitivity 66%, PPV 66%) and 71% for nightly seizures lasting at least 20 s (sensitivity 62%, PPV 82%). For these seizures there were no false alarms in 10 of 13 patients. Sensitivity of seizure diaries reached a maximum of 52% for prolonged (≥20 s) nightly seizures, even though caretakers slept in the same room.

SIGNIFICANCE

We showed that it is feasible to use a multimodal wearable device with multiple adhesive sites in children with epilepsy and intellectual disability. For prolonged nightly seizures, offline manual detection of TS outperformed seizure diaries. The recognition of seizure-specific signatures using multiple modalities can help in the development of automated TS detection algorithms.

Respiratory Dysfunction in Epileptic Encephalopathies: Insights and Challenges

Epileptic encephalopathies constitute a group of severe epileptic disorders characterized by intractable seizures and cognitive regression. Beyond the hallmark neurological manifestations, these disorders frequently exhibit associated respiratory dysfunction, which is increasingly recognized as a critical aspect of their pathophysiology. Respiratory abnormalities in epileptic encephalopathies encompass a spectrum of manifestations, ranging from subtle alterations in breathing patterns to life-threatening events such as apneas and hypoventilation. These respiratory disturbances often occur during seizures, the interictal period, or even persist chronically, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We explore the varied clinical presentations and their implications on patient outcomes, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness among clinicians. This review unravels the intricate mechanisms linking epilepsy and respiratory dysfunction. GABAergic and glutamatergic imbalances, alterations in central respiratory centers, and abnormal autonomic control are among the key factors contributing to respiratory disturbances in these patients. We elucidate the neurobiological intricacies that underlie these processes and their relevance to therapeutic interventions. Accurate diagnosis of respiratory dysfunction in epileptic encephalopathies is often hindered by its diverse clinical phenotypes and the absence of routine screening protocols. We scrutinize the diagnostic hurdles, highlighting the necessity of comprehensive respiratory assessments in managing these patients. Timely recognition of respiratory issues may guide treatment decisions and mitigate complications. Management of respiratory dysfunction in epileptic encephalopathies is complex and necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. We explore various therapeutic modalities, including antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), ventilatory support, and novel interventions like neuromodulation techniques. The review emphasizes the individualized nature of treatment strategies tailored to each patient's specific needs. In conclusion, this narrative review offers a comprehensive overview of respiratory dysfunction in epileptic encephalopathies, shedding light on its clinical importance, underlying mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations. By addressing these insights and challenges, we hope to inspire further research and innovation to enhance the care and outcomes of patients with epileptic encephalopathies.

Response to Singh et al. 2023: It is premature for a unified hypothesis of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy: A great amount of research is still needed to understand the multisystem cascade

In response to the comments by Singh and colleagues about our recent paper proposing a unified hypothesis of SUDEP, we definitely agree that more research is needed. This research should include studies in other models, including Dravet mice, emphasized by Singh et al. However, we strongly believe the hypothesis is timely, because it is based on the continuing progress on SUDEP-related research on serotonin (5-HT) and adenosine as well as neuroanatomical findings.We propose testing of 5-HT enhancing drugs, neurotoxicity blocking drugs, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonists and periaqueductal gray (PAG) electrical stimulation for SUDEP prevention. There are FDA-approved drugs that enhance the action of 5-HT, including fluoxetine and fenfluramine, which is approved for Dravet syndrome. NMDA antagonists, including memantine and ketamine, are also approved for other disorders. PAG electrical stimulation, which is proposed to activate a suffocation alarm, is also approved to treat other conditions and is known to enhance respiration. Experiments using these methods are currently being carried out in animal studies. If these approaches are validated in SUDEP models, treatments could be evaluated relatively quickly in patients with epilepsy (PWE) who exhibit a biomarker for high SUDEP risk, such as peri-ictal respiratory abnormalities. An example of such a study is the ongoing clinical trial of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor in PWE. Although, gene-based therapies may ultimately become treatments of choice to prevent SUDEP, as Singh et al suggested, one or more of the approaches we proposed could become temporizing treatments before gene-based therapies can be available. Establishing genetic treatments would require extensive time for each of the genetic abnormalities associated with SUDEP, and too many PWE are likely to die in the meantime.The temporizing treatments may help to reduce the incidence of SUDEP sooner, which is urgently needed.