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Voltage-gated sodium channels in epilepsy.
1Institut für Physiologie, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany. kohling@uni-muenster.de
Epilepsia
|November 9, 2002
Summary
Altered voltage-gated sodium channels are implicated in epilepsy. Future epilepsy treatments may target these sodium currents, especially their inactivation properties.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
- Evidence suggests a role for voltage-gated sodium channels in epilepsy pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on sodium channel alterations in epilepsy.
- To discuss the interaction of antiepileptic drugs with sodium currents.
Main Methods:
- Review of animal experiments and human genetic studies.
- Analysis of functional investigations on epileptic tissue.
- Examination of molecular and functional changes in sodium channels.
Main Results:
- Alterations in sodium channel expression, structure, and function are linked to epilepsy.
- New and established antiepileptic drugs interact with sodium currents.
Conclusions:
- Voltage-gated sodium channels are a potential therapeutic target for epilepsy.
- Modulating sodium currents, particularly inactivation characteristics, shows promise for future epilepsy therapies.