Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2026

Isolation of Cerebral Capillaries from Fresh Human Brain Tissue
Published on: September 12, 2018
Blood-brain barrier dysfunction, status epilepticus, seizures, and epilepsy: a puzzle of a chicken and egg?
1Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. alonf@exchange.bgu.ac.il
Abstract:
Status epilepticus is often associated with endothelial dysfunction and increased vessels permeability. We discuss here the direct role of blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction in epileptogenesis and brain damage. On the cellular level, astrocytes respond early to the efflux of serum proteins in the presence of dysfunctional BBB, with activation of the innate immune system and disturbed homeostasis of extracellular potassium and glutamate. In turn, there is enhanced excitability of neurons and altered network connectivity. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling appears to be a potential new target for the prevention of epileptogenesis and secondary damage following status epilepticus.
More Related Videos
09:16Use of a Wireless Video-EEG System to Monitor Epileptiform Discharges Following Lateral Fluid-Percussion Induced Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: June 21, 2019
08:43Long-term Continuous EEG Monitoring in Small Rodent Models of Human Disease Using the Epoch Wireless Transmitter System
Published on: July 21, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Epilepsy 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...
The Blood-brain Barrier
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology
Seizures l: Introduction
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types: