Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Network Analysis of Foramen Ovale Electrode Recordings in Drug-resistant Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
Published on: December 18, 2016
Increased expression of annexin A7 in temporal lobe tissue of patients with refractory epilepsy
Sheng-nian Zhou1, Cheng-shan Li, Li-qing Liu
1Department of Neurology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China. zhoushengnian126@126.com
Abstract:
Annexin A7 is a member of the family of annexins, which are thought to function in the regulation of calcium homeostasis and the fusion of vesicles. Refractory epilepsy may be related to the imbalance of calcium homeostasis. Our aims are to investigate the expression of Annexin A7 in epileptic brains in comparison with human controls and to explore Annexin A7's possible role in refractory epilepsy. We examined the expression of Annexin A7 via immunohistochemistry, double-label immunofluorescence and western blot. The expression of Annexin A7 was shown to be significantly increased in patients with refractory epilepsy. Double-label immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy disclosed Annexin A7 immunoreactivity in the neurons, which were recognized by the antibody of neuron specific enolase (NSE). The result showed that Annexin A7 may be involved in the pathophysiology of refractory epilepsy and may play a role in developing and maintaining the epilepsy.
Insights
Annexin A7 expression is elevated in refractory epilepsy, suggesting its involvement in the condition. This protein may play a role in the development and progression of epilepsy by affecting calcium homeostasis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Annexins are proteins involved in calcium homeostasis and vesicle fusion.
- Imbalances in calcium homeostasis are implicated in refractory epilepsy.
- Annexin A7's role in epilepsy is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Annexin A7 expression in refractory epilepsy brains.
- To explore the potential role of Annexin A7 in the pathophysiology of refractory epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Double-label immunofluorescence
- Western blot analysis
- Confocal microscopy
Main Results:
- Annexin A7 expression was significantly increased in patients with refractory epilepsy compared to controls.
- Annexin A7 immunoreactivity was detected in neurons, identified by neuron-specific enolase (NSE).
Conclusions:
- Annexin A7 is upregulated in refractory epilepsy.
- Annexin A7 may contribute to the pathophysiology of refractory epilepsy.
- Annexin A7 might be involved in the development and maintenance of epilepsy.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...
01:24Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...