Molecular and cellular basis of epileptogenesis in symptomatic epilepsy

Epilepsy Behav. 2009 Jan:14 Suppl 1:16-25. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2008.09.023. Epub 2008 Oct 19.

Abstract

Epileptogenesis refers to a process in which an initial brain-damaging insult triggers a cascade of molecular and cellular changes that eventually lead to the occurrence of spontaneous seizures. Cellular alterations include neurodegeneration, neurogenesis, axonal sprouting, axonal injury, dendritic remodeling, gliosis, invasion of inflammatory cells, angiogenesis, alterations in extracellular matrix, and acquired channelopathies. Large-scale molecular profiling of epileptogenic tissue has provided information about the molecular pathways that can initiate and maintain cellular alterations. Currently we are learning how these pathways contribute to postinjury epileptogenesis and recovery process and whether they could be used as treatment targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Epilepsies, Partial / genetics
  • Epilepsies, Partial / pathology
  • Epilepsy / genetics*
  • Epilepsy / pathology*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / genetics
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / pathology
  • Gliosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / physiology
  • Models, Statistical
  • Mutation / physiology
  • Nervous System / growth & development

Substances

  • Ion Channels