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Electroconvulsive Seizures in Rats and Fractionation of Their Hippocampi to Examine Seizure-induced Changes in Postsynaptic Density Proteins
Published on: August 15, 2017
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Serotonergic therapy in epilepsy
Frank G Gilliam1, Hrvoje Hecimovic2, Matthew S Gentry3
1Department of Neurology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Harlingen, Texas, USA.
Current Opinion in Neurology
|March 5, 2021
Summary
Serotonin-based therapies show promise for improving seizure control and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are recommended for treating depression in epilepsy patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Epileptology
Background:
- The serotonergic system significantly influences epilepsy, affecting seizure susceptibility, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), and comorbid depression.
- Research has elucidated serotonin's diverse effects on brain function, with animal models demonstrating its role in seizure threshold and SUDEP prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the potential of serotonergic therapies for enhancing clinical outcomes in epilepsy.
- To explore the role of serotonin in seizure control, SUDEP prevention, and comorbid depression management.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent research findings on the serotonergic system in epilepsy.
- Analysis of data from animal models and human clinical studies.
- Evaluation of evidence for specific serotonergic treatments.
Main Results:
- Serotonergic augmentation shows protective effects against SUDEP and improves behavioral outcomes in epilepsy models.
- Clinical studies largely align with animal data, though treatment translation is slow.
- Fenfluramine has shown positive results in a clinical trial for Dravet syndrome.
Conclusions:
- Serotonergic therapies offer promising avenues for seizure control and SUDEP prevention in epilepsy.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are supported for treating comorbid depression in epilepsy patients.
- Further research and clinical translation are needed to fully leverage serotonergic system's potential in epilepsy management.
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