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Anteromesial Temporal Lobectomy for Medically Intractable Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: An Operative Study
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Increased expression of the P2X7 receptor in temporal lobe epilepsy: Animal models and clinical evidence

Penghui Song1, Jing Hu2, Xijin Liu3

  • 1Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China.

Molecular Medicine Reports
|May 7, 2019
PubMed

Insights

The adenosine triphosphate‑sensitive homomeric P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is upregulated in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Blocking P2X7R with brilliant blue G (BBG) reduced seizures, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for TLE.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Epilepsy Research

Background:

  • The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is implicated in various brain disorders, including temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).
  • Understanding P2X7R's role in TLE pathogenesis is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression of P2X7R, glutamate (GLU), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in epilepsy models and human TLE.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of P2X7R antagonism in TLE.

Main Methods:

  • Lithium-pilocarpine-induced epilepsy model in rats.
  • Assessment of P2X7R, GLU, and GFAP expression in rat temporal neocortex and hippocampus.
  • Analysis of P2X7R expression in human intractable TLE patients.
  • Treatment with brilliant blue G (BBG), a P2X7R antagonist.

Main Results:

  • Significantly upregulated levels of P2X7R, GLU, and GFAP were observed in rats with spontaneous recurrent seizures.
  • BBG treatment led to reduced levels of these markers in epileptic rats.
  • Elevated P2X7R expression was confirmed in patients with intractable TLE.

Conclusions:

  • P2X7R plays a critical role in the development and progression of TLE.
  • BBG, as a P2X7R antagonist, shows promise as a therapeutic agent for TLE.

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