[Neuropathologic consequences of status epilepticus]

Although the results of a number of histopathological studies have unequivocally shown that epileptic seizures are frequently associated with neurodegenerative mechanisms or other alterations in the brain structure, as it is not possible to carry out longitudinal studies the interpretation of these observations remains speculative. It is not clear whether these brain alterations are the cause or the result of epileptic seizures. It is now widely accepted that epileptic seizures correspond to the synchronization of neuronal activity and increase in their discharge frequency. It has been shown that this abnormal firing activity can lead to increase in intracellular calcium concentration in the nerve cells. A rise in intracellular calcium levels can trigger other processes within the cell, or be cytotoxic if these levels are sufficiently high. In this study, in the light of the most recent findings on cell death (apoptosis), the authors have examined the mechanisms whereby epileptic seizures can result in neuronal cell loss.