Mechanisms underlying anticonvulsant and proconvulsant actions of norepinephrine

Norepinephrine (NE) has been shown to exert a potent suppressant effect on seizure development. On the other hand, several lines of evidence have shown that increased NE level is proconvulsant under certain conditions. These data suggest that variations in NE levels could affect modulatory action of noradrenergic system on seizures. Less, however, is known about the mechanisms by which adrenergic pathways protect against seizures or promote seizures. Knowing the mechanisms involved in anti- or proconvulsive effects of NE may help to the development of new therapeutic candidates for patients with refractory epilepsy. Here, we present some possible mechanisms involved in actions of NE on seizures.