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Related Concept Videos

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview01:24

Epilepsy and Seizures: Overview

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...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists01:14

Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists

Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators01:18

Antiepileptic Drugs: GABAergic Pathway Potentiators

γ-aminobutyric acid or GABA, plays a pivotal role as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA pathway potentiators, also known as GABAergic drugs, are a class of pharmaceutical agents designed to enhance the functioning of the GABAergic system. These medications primarily treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
The key GABA pathway potentiators used in epilepsy management are as follows.
Benzodiazepines are a well-known class of drugs used for their...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein01:20

Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein

Antiepileptic drugs, such as levetiracetam (Keppra) and brivaracetam (Briviact), have emerged as crucial tools in managing epilepsy. These medications exert their therapeutic effects by targeting the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, a transmembrane glycoprotein primarily found in the brain.
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...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis01:29

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Synthesis

Drugs affecting neurotransmitter synthesis can impact the adrenergic neuron and the synthesis of neurotransmitters. For example, α-methyltyrosine and carbidopa target specific enzymes involved in catecholamine synthesis. α-methyltyrosine inhibits the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase, which converts tyrosine into dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, α-methyltyrosine reduces dopamine production and other catecholamines. Carbidopa, on the other hand, inhibits the enzyme dopa decarboxylase, which converts...
Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake01:21

Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake

Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
09:07

Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins

Published on: August 15, 2017

Neurosteroids and epileptogenesis.

G Biagini1, C Rustichelli, G Curia

  • 1Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

Journal of Neuroendocrinology
|June 15, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurosteroids, like allopregnanolone, may play a key role in epilepsy progression. Inhibiting their synthesis with finasteride can worsen seizures, suggesting a protective effect against epileptogenesis.

Keywords:
allopregnanoloneepilepsygliahippocampusneurosteroidspilocarpine

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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
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Preparing Undercut Model of Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis in Rodents
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Preparing Undercut Model of Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis in Rodents

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Epilepsy Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epileptogenesis, the process leading to epilepsy, includes worsening seizure conditions.
  • Neuroinflammation and glial cell activation (gliosis) are observed in epilepsy.
  • The role of neurosteroids in epilepsy progression is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of neurosteroids in epilepsy progression.
  • Examine the impact of cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage (P450scc) enzyme expression.
  • Evaluate the effect of finasteride on seizure activity and neurosteroid synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Studied rats with pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus.
  • Measured P450scc enzyme expression in glial cells.
  • Administered finasteride to assess its effects on seizure latency and frequency.

Main Results:

  • Increased P450scc expression was linked to delayed seizures in rats.
  • Finasteride administration shortened the seizure latent period and increased chronic seizures.
  • Reduced neurosteroid synthesis correlated with worsened epilepsy.

Conclusions:

  • Neurosteroids, particularly allopregnanolone, may have an antiepileptogenic role.
  • The synthesis of neurosteroids appears crucial for counteracting seizure progression.
  • Targeting neurosteroid pathways could offer new epilepsy treatment strategies.