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The role of gap junctions in seizures
P L Carlen1, F Skinner, L Zhang
1Playfair Neuroscience Unit, Toronto Hospital Research Institute and Bloorview Epilepsy Program, University of Toronto, Canada. carlen@playfair.utoronto.ca
Brain Research. Brain Research Reviews
|April 7, 2000
Summary
Gap junctions (GJs) synchronize brain activity, playing a key role in seizures. Blocking GJs reduces seizures, suggesting they are a potential target for new anticonvulsant drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cellular Biology
- Epilepsy Research
Background:
- Gap junctions (GJs) mediate electrotonic communication between neurons.
- GJ biology in the central nervous system (CNS) is under active investigation.
- Seizures are increasingly understood to involve GJ communication, not just chemical synapses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of GJ communication in neuronal synchrony and seizure generation.
- To highlight evidence supporting GJs as a factor in CNS disorders.
- To explore the potential of GJs as therapeutic targets for epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro seizure models.
- Analysis of pharmacological interventions affecting GJ communication.
- Examination of evidence implicating interneurons in GJ-mediated synchrony.
- Inclusion of neuromodelling studies on GJ function.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological GJ blockers diminish seizures in vitro.
- GJ enhancers increase seizure activity in experimental models.
- Interneurons coupled by GJs contribute to synchronous neural network activity and seizures.
- Neuromodelling clarifies the functional role of GJs in neural synchrony.
Conclusions:
- Gap junctional communication is a significant factor in seizure pathogenesis.
- Targeting GJs offers a promising avenue for developing novel anticonvulsant therapies.
- Further research into CNS GJs is crucial for understanding and treating neurological disorders.