The role of mitochondria in epileptogenesis

Mitochondrial dysfunction has gained considerable interest as a potential cause of epileptic seizures and therapy-resistant forms of severe epilepsy. Impairment of mitochondrial function has recently been observed in the seizure focus of human and experimental epilepsy. Additionally, a broad variety of mutation of mitochondrial DNA leading to the inhibition of mitochondrial respiratory chain or directly of mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate synthesis in epileptogenic areas of the human brain has been associated with epileptic phenotypes. Since mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation provides the major source of adenosine triphosphate in neurons, and mitochondria participate in cellular Ca2+ homeostasis they can modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Furthermore, mitochondria are intimately involved in pathways leading to the neuronal cell death characteristic for the areas of epileptogenesis.