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Pre- and Postictal Changes in the Innate Immune System: Cause or Effect?
Johannes D Lang1, David G Olmes1,2, Manuel Proske1
1Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Centre, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.
European Neurology
|June 17, 2021
Summary
The innate immune system, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, shows significant changes before and after seizures in epilepsy patients. These findings suggest a role for innate immunity in seizure activity and its aftermath.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Epilepsy Research
- Innate Immunity
Background:
- Inflammatory processes are increasingly implicated in epileptogenesis.
- The specific role of the innate immune system in ictogenesis (seizure generation) remains less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate peri-ictal changes in the innate immune system.
- To analyze alterations in immune cells and pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines surrounding seizures.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were collected from epilepsy patients undergoing video-EEG monitoring at frequent intervals before and after seizures.
- Flow cytometry (FACS) was used to analyze peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations (e.g., NK cells, T cells, B cells, monocytes).
- Multiplex immunoassay was employed to quantify key cytokines (e.g., IL-10, MCP-1, IL-12).
Main Results:
- Natural killer (NK) cells exhibited a decrease before seizure onset and a significant increase immediately post-seizure.
- T helper and B cells showed a decrease in the immediate postictal phase.
- Elevated levels of IL-10 and MCP-1, with decreased IL-12, were observed post-seizure.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence for the involvement of the innate immune system in both pre-ictal and post-ictal phases of seizures.
- NK cells may play a role in pre-ictal changes or be affected as an epiphenomenon preceding seizures.
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