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Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
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How do seizures stop?

Fred A Lado1, Solomon L Moshé

  • 1The Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA. flado@montefiore.org

Epilepsia
|May 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Understanding seizure termination is key for developing new epilepsy treatments. This review explores mechanisms from neuronal membranes to brain circuits, aiding anticonvulsant drug discovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Seizure termination is crucial for returning to normal brain activity.
  • Understanding termination mechanisms can reveal new anticonvulsant drug targets.
  • Current research often focuses more on seizure initiation than termination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review known and potential physiological mechanisms of seizure termination.
  • To organize these mechanisms by neuroanatomical scale (membranes, synapses, networks, circuits).
  • To stimulate novel epilepsy research and improve patient care.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of physiological mechanisms of seizure termination.
  • Categorization of mechanisms by increasing neuroanatomical distance: membranes, synapses, networks, and circuits.
  • Discussion of mechanisms at the seizure onset zone and broader brain nuclei like the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNR).

Main Results:

  • Mechanisms of seizure termination operate at multiple scales, from individual neuronal membranes to large brain circuits.
  • Specific examples include membrane excitability changes, synaptic inhibition, network oscillations, and modulation by brain nuclei (e.g., SNR).
  • The review synthesizes existing knowledge and proposes areas for future investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Seizure termination involves a complex interplay of mechanisms across different neuroanatomical levels.
  • Further research into these mechanisms is vital for developing effective anticonvulsant therapies.
  • A comprehensive understanding of seizure termination can significantly advance epilepsy research and clinical management.

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