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Updated: May 13, 2026
07:01
Electrophoretic Delivery of γ-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) into Epileptic Focus Prevents Seizures in Mice
Published on: May 16, 2019
Treating seizures and epilepsy with anticoagulants?
Nicola Maggio1, Ilan Blatt, Andreas Vlachos
1Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center Tel HaShomer, Israel ; Department of Neurology, The J. Sagol Neuroscience Center, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center Tel HaShomer, Israel.
Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience
|March 8, 2013
Summary
Thrombin, a blood protein, may trigger seizures by activating PAR-1 receptors in the brain. Researchers suggest PAR-1 antagonists could be new antiepileptic drugs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Thrombin is a key serine protease in blood coagulation.
- Emerging research reveals thrombin's novel signaling roles in the central nervous system.
- Thrombin binding to protease-activated receptors (PARs) influences brain function in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms linking thrombin to seizures and epilepsy.
- To explore the role of PAR-1 activation in seizure onset.
- To propose novel therapeutic strategies for epilepsy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on thrombin, PARs, and epilepsy.
- Analysis of signaling pathways involved in thrombin-induced neurological effects.
- Identification of potential drug targets for epilepsy treatment.
Main Results:
- Thrombin binding to PAR-1 in the brain can induce seizures.
- This interaction highlights a novel pathway contributing to epilepsy.
- PAR-1 antagonists and thrombin inhibitors show potential as antiepileptic agents.
Conclusions:
- Thrombin plays a significant role in the central nervous system, particularly in seizure generation.
- Targeting the thrombin-PAR-1 pathway offers a promising avenue for developing new antiepileptic drugs.
- Further research into thrombin inhibitors and PAR-1 antagonists is warranted for epilepsy treatment.
Related Concept Videos
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Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease marked by recurrent, unpredictable seizures. These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain, leading to behavior, sensation, or consciousness alterations. They can also cause transient impairment of awareness, interfering with daily activities.
Various factors can trigger epilepsy, including genetic factors, brain damage, metabolic causes, and unknown etiology. Diagnosis of epilepsy involves electroencephalography (EEG), which...
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Sodium channel blockers modulate ion channels, particularly voltage-gated sodium channels. They block only sodium ion movement.
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01:17Antiepileptic Drugs: Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers, a class of antiepileptic drugs, regulate the flow of calcium ions within neurons.
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