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Inflammation in pediatric epilepsies: Update on clinical features and treatment options. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 131:107959. [PMID: 33867302 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.107959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of inflammation is increasingly recognized in triggering or sustaining epileptic activity. In the last decades, increasing research has provided definite evidence to support the link between immunity, inflammatory process, and epilepsy. Neuro- and systemic inflammation play a pivotal role in driving epileptogenesis through different pathogenetic mechanisms: the activation of innate immunity in glia, neurons, and microvasculature, the brain mediated by blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment, and the imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules produced by both arms of immunity. More recently, research has focused on the adverse effects of maternal or early-life immune activation and cytokine imbalance on fetal neurodevelopment and postnatal epilepsy. A complex crosstalk between the immune and nervous system, and a crucial interplay of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors may influence structures and functions of the developing brain. A better understanding of the inflammatory process in promoting epilepsy implies that targeting specific pathways may be effective in seizure control. Multiple targets have been identified so far, and several antiseizure interventions are obtained by inhibiting inflammatory signaling or protecting/restoring BBB. All this evidence has changed the field of epilepsy research and neuropharmacology. Further developments and new treatments will rapidly emerge to improve seizure management in inflammation-related epilepsies. This article is part of the Special Issue "Severe Infantile Epilepsies".
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2
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Maikoo S, Wilkins A, Qulu L. The effect of oxytocin and an enriched environment on anxiety-like behaviour and corticosterone levels in a prenatally stressed febrile seizure rat model. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2022; 13:47-56. [PMID: 36590100 PMCID: PMC9795298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Febrile seizures (FS) are a neurological abnormality which occur following a fever that has resulted from a systemic infection and are characterised by convulsions. These convulsions occur due to abnormally increased signalling of interleukin-1 beta, resulting in increased neuronal hyper-excitability. Furthermore, exposure to prenatal stress has been shown to exacerbate seizure duration, elicit anxiety-like behaviour and corticosterone levels. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide with anxiolytic, social bonding, and stress regulation effects. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess whether oxytocin can attenuate the anxiety-like behaviour and increased corticosterone in rat offspring exposed to prenatal stress and FS. Method Sprague Dawley rats were mated. On GND14, prenatal stress was induced on pregnant dams for 1 hr/7 days. On PND 14, rat pups were injected with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 200 μg/kg, i.p.) followed 2.5 h later by an i.p. injection of kainic acid (KA, 1.75 mg/kg). Oxytocin (1 mg/kg) was induced via different routes (intraperitoneal or intranasal) as well an enriched environment between PND 22-26. The enriched environment included larger cages (1560 cm2) with only 4 pups per cage, compared to those groups not receiving enrichment (646 cm2), as well as cardboard rolls and plastic toys. On PND 27-33 the light/dark box and elevated plus maze were used to assess anxiety-like behaviour. On PND 34 all rats were euthanized using a sharp guillotine, trunk blood and hypothalamic tissue were collected for neurochemical analysis (ELISA kit). Results Our findings confirmed that exposure to both prenatal stress and febrile seizures resulted anxiety-like behaviour and significantly higher plasma corticosterone concentrations compared to their counterparts. Environmental enrichment was significantly effective in attenuating the increased basal corticosterone levels and anxiety-like behaviour seen in the prenatally stressed FS rat. Although direct administration of oxytocin showed higher significance in reducing corticosterone plasma levels when compared to the enriched environment. Furthermore, hypothalamic oxytocin levels were not significant in rat exposed to environmental enrichment while oxytocin treatment showed a significant effect when compared to their counterparts. Conclusion Therefore, oxytocin administration during early postnatal development shows great potential in reversing the effects of prenatal stress and its subsequent exacerbation of FS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreyal Maikoo
- HIV Pathogenesis Programme, Doris Duke Medical Research Institute, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Andria Wilkins
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, College of Health Sciences, Department of Human Physiology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu
- Stellenbosch University - Tygerberg Campus: Stellenbosch University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Capetown, South Africa,Corresponding author.
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Wolf DC, Desgent S, Sanon NT, Chen JS, Elkaim LM, Bosoi CM, Awad PN, Simard A, Salam MT, Bilodeau GA, Duss S, Sawan M, Lewis EC, Weil AG. Sex differences in the developing brain impact stress-induced epileptogenicity following hyperthermia-induced seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 161:105546. [PMID: 34742878 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FS) are common, affecting 2-5% of children between the ages of 3 months and 6 years. Complex FS occur in 10% of patients with FS and are strongly associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Current research suggests that predisposing factors, such as genetic and anatomic abnormalities, may be necessary for complex FS to translate to mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Sex hormones are known to influence seizure susceptibility and epileptogenesis, but whether sex-specific effects of early life stress play a role in epileptogenesis is unclear. Here, we investigate sex differences in the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis following chronic stress and the underlying contributions of gonadal hormones to the susceptibility of hyperthermia-induced seizures (HS) in rat pups. Chronic stress consisted of daily injections of 40 mg/kg of corticosterone (CORT) subcutaneously from postnatal day (P) 1 to P9 in male and female rat pups followed by HS at P10. Body mass, plasma CORT levels, temperature threshold to HS, seizure characteristics, and electroencephalographic in vivo recordings were compared between CORT- and vehicle (VEH)-injected littermates during and after HS at P10. In juvenile rats (P18-P22), in vitro CA1 pyramidal cell recordings were recorded in males to investigate excitatory and inhibitory neuronal circuits. Results show that daily CORT injections increased basal plasma CORT levels before HS and significantly reduced weight gain and body temperature threshold of HS in both males and females. CORT also significantly lowered the generalized convulsions (GC) latency while increasing recovery time and the number of electrographic seizures (>10s), which had longer duration. Furthermore, sex-specific differences were found in response to chronic CORT injections. Compared to females, male pups had increased basal plasma CORT levels after HS, longer recovery time and a higher number of electrographic seizures (>10s), which also had longer duration. Sex-specific differences were also found at baseline conditions with lower latency to generalized convulsions and longer duration of electrographic seizures in males but not in females. In juvenile male rats, the amplitude of evoked excitatory postsynaptic potentials, as well as the amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic currents, were significantly greater in CORT rats when compared to VEH littermates. These findings not only validate CORT injections as a stress model, but also show a sex difference in baseline conditions as well as a response to chronic CORT and an impact on seizure susceptibility, supporting a potential link between sustained early-life stress and complex FS. Overall, these effects also indicate a putatively less severe phenotype in female than male pups. Ultimately, studies investigating the biological underpinnings of sex differences as a determining factor in mental and neurologic problems are necessary to develop better diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic approaches for all patients regardless of their sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele C Wolf
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada.
| | - Sébastien Desgent
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie T Sanon
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jia-Shu Chen
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lior M Elkaim
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ciprian M Bosoi
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Patricia N Awad
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alexe Simard
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Muhammad T Salam
- Laboratoire Polystim, Département de génie électrique, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Guillaume-Alexandre Bilodeau
- LITIV Lab., Département de génie informatique et génie logiciel, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sandra Duss
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Mohamad Sawan
- Laboratoire Polystim, Département de génie électrique, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Alexander G Weil
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Département de Pédiatrie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada; Neurosurgery Service, Department of Surgery, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Mosili P, Maikoo S, Mabandla MV, Qulu L. The Pathogenesis of Fever-Induced Febrile Seizures and Its Current State. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520956973. [PMID: 33225279 PMCID: PMC7649866 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520956973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures, commonly in children between the ages of 3 months to 5 years, are a neurological abnormality characterized by neuronal hyper-excitability, that occur as a result of an increased core body temperature during a fever, which was caused by an underlying systemic infection. Such infections cause the immune system to elicit an inflammatory response resulting in the release of cytokines from macrophages. The cytokines such as interleukin (IL)- 1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) combat the infection in the localized area ultimately spilling over into circulation resulting in elevated cytokine levels. The cytokines, along with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) expressed on pathogens for example, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interact with the blood brain barrier (BBB) causing a ‘leaky’ BBB which facilitates cytokines and LPS entry into the central nervous system. The cytokines activate the microglia which release their own cytokines, specifically IL1β. IL-β interacts with the brain endothelium resulting in the activation of cyclooxygenase 2 which catalyzes the production of prostaglandin 2 (PGE2). PGE2 enters the hypothalamic region and induces a fever. Abnormally increased IL-1β levels also progressively increases excitatory (glutamatergic) neurotransmission, and decreases inhibitory (GABAergic) neurotransmission, thus mediating the pathogenesis of convulsions. Current treatments for febrile seizures present with side effects that are detrimental to health, which fosters the need for an alternative, more affordable treatment with fewer adverse side effects, and 1 that is easily accessible, especially in low income areas that are also affected by other underlying socio-economic factors, in which febrile seizures are of growing concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palesa Mosili
- University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Health Sciences, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Shreyal Maikoo
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | | | - Lihle Qulu
- University of KwaZulu-Natal College of Health Sciences, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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5
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Abstract
Fetal neurodevelopment in utero is profoundly shaped by both systemic maternal immunity and local processes at the maternal-fetal interface. Immune pathways are a critical participant in the normal physiology of pregnancy and perturbations of maternal immunity due to infections during this period have been increasingly linked to a diverse array of poor neurological outcomes, including diseases that manifest much later in postnatal life. While experimental models of maternal immune activation (MIA) have provided groundbreaking characterizations of the maternal pathways underlying pathogenesis, less commonly examined are the immune factors that serve pathogen-independent developmental functions in the embryo and fetus. In this review, we explore what is known about the in vivo role of immune factors in fetal neurodevelopment during normal pregnancy and provide an overview of how MIA perturbs the proper orchestration of this sequence of events. Finally, we discuss how the dysregulation of immune factors may contribute to the manifestation of a variety of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Lu-Culligan
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA
| | - Akiko Iwasaki
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA.,Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA; .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA
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6
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Asisipo M, Gwladys NT, Musa MV. Effect of a novel prolonged febrile seizure model on GABA associated ion channels. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:441-449. [PMID: 31691144 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-00492-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged febrile seizures are usually modelled in animals using hyperthermia as an inducer. In this study, a modified simple febrile seizure model using a combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and kainic acid (KA) was used to develop a prolonged febrile seizure animal model, which we used to assess effects on the expression of the sodium- potassium-chloride cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) and potassium-chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2) and their possible role in seizure exacerbation. At post-natal day (PND) 14, rat pups were divided into a saline (S), simple febrile seizure (FSA-), prolonged febrile seizure (FSB-), saline A (SA+) and saline B (SB+) groups. SA+ and SB+ groups received different concentrations of KA (1.75 mg/kg, 1.83 μg/kg respectively) but no LPS. Changes in temperature, seizure activity and duration were recorded. Gene and protein expression of NKCC1, KCC2 and KCC2 phosphorylated serine (KCC2 ser) 940 were measured 1 h post seizure termination and on PND 15 using RT- PCR and western blot. There was an initial increase in temperature that was immediately followed by a temperature decrease and an increase in seizure severity and duration in the FSB- group. There was a decrease in KCC2 ser 940 protein expression. NKCC1 protein expression was increased in both FS groups suggesting decreased GABA receptor functionality. Therefore, the novel FSB- model resulted in more severe and sustained seizure activity by altering cotransporter gene and protein expression. This suggests that this model can be used to mimic prolonged febrile seizures and hence can be used to investigate the physiological changes accompanying this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Asisipo
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
| | - Ngoupaye Temkou Gwladys
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon.
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa.
| | - Mabandla Vuyisile Musa
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 4000, South Africa
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7
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Liening AN, Epps SA. In Up to My Ears and Temporal Lobes: Effects of Early Life Stress on Epilepsy Development. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 55:17-40. [PMID: 33454921 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy and stress are each significant concerns in today's society, bearing heavy impacts on mental and physical health and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, the intersection between these is potentially even more concerning, as stress is a frequent trigger of seizures and may contribute to neural hyperexcitability. A growing body of research suggests a connection between early life stress (occurring in the prenatal or postnatal stage) and later development of epilepsy. While the larger part of this literature suggests that early life stress increases vulnerability for epilepsy development, there are a number of interacting factors influencing this relationship. These factors include developmental stage at which both stressor and seizure assessment occur, type of stressor, sex effects, and type of seizure (convulsive or non-convulsive). Additionally, a number of potential mechanisms have been identified, including activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neuroinflammation, altered inhibitory/excitatory balance, and temporal lobe structures. Developing a clearer understanding of this relationship between early life stress and epilepsy, the factors that influence it, and underlying mechanisms that may serve as targets for intervention is crucial to improving quality of life for persons with epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery N Liening
- Department of Psychology, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA
| | - S Alisha Epps
- Department of Psychology, Whitworth University, Spokane, WA, USA.
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8
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Alese OO, Mabandla MV. Transgenerational deep sequencing revealed hypermethylation of hippocampal mGluR1 gene with altered mRNA expression of mGluR5 and mGluR3 associated with behavioral changes in Sprague Dawley rats with history of prolonged febrile seizure. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225034. [PMID: 31710636 PMCID: PMC6844483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of febrile seizure has been shown to transcend immediate generation with the alteration of glutamatergic pathway being implicated. However, transgenerational effects of this neurological disorder particularly prolonged febrile seizure (PFS) on neurobehavioral study and methylation profile is unknown. We therefore hypothesized that transgenerational impact of prolonged febrile seizure is dependent on methylation of hippocampal mGluR1 gene. Prolonged febrile seizure was induced on post-natal day (PND) 14, by injecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 217μg/kg ip) and kainic acid (KA; 1.83 mg/kg ip). Sucrose preference test (SPT) and Forced swim test (FST) were carried out in the first generation (F0) of animals at PND37 and PND60. The F0 rats were decapitated at PND 14, 37 and 60 which corresponded to childhood, adolescent and adulthood respectively and their hippocampal tissue collected. The second generation (F1) rats were obtained by mating F0 generation at PND 60 across different groups, F1 rats were subjected to SPT and FST test on PND 37 only. Decapitation of F1rats and collection of hippocampal tissues were done on PND 14 and 37. Assessment of mGluR5 and mGluR3 mRNA was done with PCR while mGluR1 methylation profile was assessed with the Quantitative MassARRAY analysis. Results showed that PFS significantly leads to decreased sucrose consumption in the SPT and increased immobility time in the FST in both generations of rats. It also leads to significant decrease in mGluR5 mRNA expression with a resultant increased expression of mGluR3 mRNA expression and hypermethylation of mGluR1 gene across both generations of rats. This study suggested that PFS led to behavioral changes which could be transmitted on to the next generation in rats.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Base Sequence
- Behavior, Animal
- DNA Methylation/genetics
- High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Immobilization
- Promoter Regions, Genetic/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5/genetics
- Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5/metabolism
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/genetics
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/metabolism
- Seizures, Febrile/genetics
- Sucrose
- Swimming
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwole Ojo Alese
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Musa V. Mabandla
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Acetylcholine receptor agonist effect on seizure activity and GABAergic mechanisms involved in prolonged febrile seizure development in an animal model. Brain Res Bull 2019; 149:203-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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10
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Gholipoor P, Saboory E, Ghazavi A, Kiyani A, Roshan-Milani S, Mohammadi S, Javanmardi E, Rasmi Y. Prenatal stress potentiates febrile seizure and leads to long-lasting increase in cortisol blood levels in children under 2years old. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 72:22-27. [PMID: 28570964 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Neurological disorders can be exacerbated in an offspring that is exposed to stress prenatally. This study is aimed to investigate the severity of febrile seizures (FS) in the offspring under 2years old that were prenatally stressed. In this study, 158 children below 2years old with FS were selected. Information about convulsion including seizure lasting, recurrence of seizure, age of the first seizure and type of FS was gathered. Blood samples were obtained from the offspring to measure the cortisol blood levels. Questionnaire was filled in to evaluate the perceived stress and exposure or non-exposure to major stresses during pregnancy. Results of this study showed that both high Perceived Stress Scores (PSS) during pregnancy and exposure to major stresses during pregnancy significantly increased seizure duration and seizure intensity. Also, the appearance of complex FS was significantly higher in prenatally stressed children than the unexposed ones. Further, cortisol blood levels were significantly higher in prenatally stressed subjects. It can be concluded that both higher PSS and/or exposure to major stresses during pregnancy potentiate FS parameters and lead to long lasting increase in cortisol blood levels in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyman Gholipoor
- Department of Neurosurgery, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Saboory
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Ahad Ghazavi
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Arezoo Kiyani
- Neurophysiology Research Center, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- Department of Physiology, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Sedra Mohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Urmia University of Medical sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Elmira Javanmardi
- Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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Mkhize NVP, Qulu L, Mabandla MV. The Effect of Quercetin on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines in a Prenatally Stressed Rat Model of Febrile Seizures. J Exp Neurosci 2017; 11:1179069517704668. [PMID: 28579828 PMCID: PMC5439593 DOI: 10.1177/1179069517704668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures are childhood convulsions resulting from an infection that leads to an inflammatory response and subsequent convulsions. Prenatal stress has been shown to heighten the progression and intensity of febrile seizures. Current medications are costly and have adverse effects associated with prolonged use. Quercetin flavonoid exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and anti-stress effects. This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of quercetin in a prenatally stressed rat model of febrile seizures. We hypothesized that quercetin will alleviate the effects of prenatal stress in a febrile seizure rat model. On gestational day 13, Sprague-Dawley rat dams were subjected to restraint stress for 1 hour/d for 7 days. Febrile seizures were induced on postnatal day 14 on rat pups by intraperitoneally injecting lipopolysaccharide followed by kainic acid and quercetin on seizure onset. Hippocampal tissue was harvested to profile cytokine concentrations. Our results show that quercetin suppresses prenatal stress–induced pro-inflammatory marker (interleukin 1 beta) levels, subsequently attenuating febrile seizures. This shows that quercetin can be therapeutic for febrile seizures in prenatally stressed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nombuso Valencia Pearl Mkhize
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Musa Vuyisile Mabandla
- Discipline of Human Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Science, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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12
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Feng B, Chen Z. Generation of Febrile Seizures and Subsequent Epileptogenesis. Neurosci Bull 2016; 32:481-92. [PMID: 27562688 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-016-0054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Febrile seizures (FSs) occur commonly in children aged from 6 months to 5 years. Complex (repetitive or prolonged) FSs, but not simple FSs, can lead to permanent brain modification. Human infants and immature rodents that have experienced complex FSs have a high risk of subsequent temporal lobe epilepsy. However, the causes of FSs and the mechanisms underlying the subsequent epileptogenesis remain unknown. Here, we mainly focus on two major questions concerning FSs: how fever triggers seizures, and how epileptogenesis occurs after FSs. The risk factors responsible for the occurrence of FSs and the epileptogenesis after prolonged FSs are thoroughly summarized and discussed. An understanding of these factors can provide potential therapeutic targets for the prevention of FSs and also yield biomarkers for identifying patients at risk of epileptogenesis following FSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of the Ministry of Health of China, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Bercum FM, Rodgers KM, Benison AM, Smith ZZ, Taylor J, Kornreich E, Grabenstatter HL, Dudek FE, Barth DS. Maternal Stress Combined with Terbutaline Leads to Comorbid Autistic-Like Behavior and Epilepsy in a Rat Model. J Neurosci 2015; 35:15894-902. [PMID: 26631470 PMCID: PMC6605448 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2803-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human autism is comorbid with epilepsy, yet, little is known about the causes or risk factors leading to this combined neurological syndrome. Although genetic predisposition can play a substantial role, our objective was to investigate whether maternal environmental factors alone could be sufficient. We examined the independent and combined effects of maternal stress and terbutaline (used to arrest preterm labor), autism risk factors in humans, on measures of both autistic-like behavior and epilepsy in Sprague-Dawley rats. Pregnant dams were exposed to mild stress (foot shocks at 1 week intervals) throughout pregnancy. Pups were injected with terbutaline on postnatal days 2-5. Either maternal stress or terbutaline resulted in autistic-like behaviors in offspring (stereotyped/repetitive behaviors and deficits in social interaction or communication), but neither resulted in epilepsy. However, their combination resulted in severe behavioral symptoms, as well as spontaneous recurrent convulsive seizures in 45% and epileptiform spikes in 100%, of the rats. Hippocampal gliosis (GFAP reactivity) was correlated with both abnormal behavior and spontaneous seizures. We conclude that prenatal insults alone can cause comorbid autism and epilepsy but it requires a combination of teratogens to achieve this; testing single teratogens independently and not examining combinatorial effects may fail to reveal key risk factors in humans. Moreover, astrogliosis may be common to both teratogens. This new animal model of combined autism and epilepsy permits the experimental investigation of both the cellular mechanisms and potential intervention strategies for this debilitating comorbid syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia M Bercum
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Krista M Rodgers
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Alex M Benison
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Zachariah Z Smith
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Jeremy Taylor
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Elise Kornreich
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - Heidi L Grabenstatter
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
| | - F Edward Dudek
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108
| | - Daniel S Barth
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, and
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14
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Cassim S, Qulu L, Mabandla MV. Prenatal stress and early life febrile convulsions compromise hippocampal genes MeCP2/REST function in mid-adolescent life of Sprague-Dawley rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2015; 125:195-201. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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15
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Exposure to prenatal stress has deleterious effects on hippocampal function in a febrile seizure rat model. Brain Res 2015; 1624:506-514. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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16
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Qulu L, Daniels WMU, Russell V, Mabandla MV. Searsia chirindensis reverses the potentiating effect of prenatal stress on the development of febrile seizures and decreased plasma interleukin-1β levels. Neurosci Res 2015; 103:54-8. [PMID: 26320878 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is estimated that more than 80% of patients with epilepsy live in developing countries with 50-60% of them being children. This high prevalence is perpetuated by low socio-economic challenges, poor health care facilities and lack of drug affordability. Searsia chirindensis formerly known as rhus chirindensis and commonly known as 'Red Current' is a popular traditional medicinal plant, which has been used to treat a number of illnesses such as heart complaints and neurological disorders. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of S. chirindensis on the development of febrile seizure in a prenatally stressed rat. Febrile seizures were induced by administering lipopolysaccharide to 14-day-old rat pups followed by kainic acid. A subset of the rats was treated with Searsia after induction of febrile seizures. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels were measured in plasma. Lipid peroxidation was determined in liver tissue. Our data shows that treatment with Searsia reduced interleukin-1β levels in plasma of the febrile seizure rats and prevented lipid oxidation in the liver. Prenatal stress is dampened by the beneficial effects of Searsia on seizure development in rat pups. These results highlight the potentiating effects of Searsia in the reversal of febrile seizures and prenatal stress effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihle Qulu
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Willie M U Daniels
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Vivienne Russell
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Musa V Mabandla
- Department of Human Physiology, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa.
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17
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Fukuda M, Ito M, Yano Y, Takahashi H, Motoie R, Yano A, Suzuki Y, Ishii E. Postnatal interleukin-1β administration after experimental prolonged febrile seizures enhances epileptogenesis in adulthood. Metab Brain Dis 2015; 30:813-9. [PMID: 25575695 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-014-9648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
It remains unclear whether prolonged febrile seizures (pFS) in childhood facilitate mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) in adulthood. Interleukin (IL)-1β is associated with seizures in children and immature animal models. Here, we use a rat model of pFS to study the effects of IL-1β on adult epileptogenesis, hippocampal damage, and cognition. We produced prolonged hyperthermia-induced seizures on postnatal days (P) 10-11 and administered IL-1β or saline intranasally immediately after the seizures. Motor and cognitive functions were assessed at P85 using rotarod and passive avoidance tests. Electroencephalogram recordings were conducted at P90 and P120. Hippocampal CA1 and CA3 neurons and gliosis were quantified at the end of the experiment. Spontaneous seizure incidence was significantly greater in rats that had received IL-1β than in those that had received saline or those without hyperthermia-induced seizures (p < 0.05). Seizure frequency did not differ significantly between the three groups and no motor deficits were observed. Passive avoidance learning was impaired in rats that received IL-1β compared with controls (p < 0.05), but was not different from that in rats that received saline. Hippocampal cell numbers and gliosis did not differ between the three groups. These results indicate that neuronal loss and gliosis are not prerequisites for the epileptogenic process that follows pFS. Our results suggest that infantile pFS combined with IL-1β overproduction can enhance adulthood epileptogenesis, and might contribute to the development of MTLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsumasa Fukuda
- Department of Pediatrics, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime, 791-0295, Japan,
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18
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Korgan AC, Vonkeman J, Esser MJ, Perrot TS. An enhanced home cage modulates hypothalamic CRH-ir Labeling in juvenile rats, with and without sub-threshold febrile convulsions. Dev Psychobiol 2015; 57:374-81. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Austin C. Korgan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Janeske Vonkeman
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Michael J. Esser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology; IWK Health Care Center; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
| | - Tara S. Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience; Dalhousie University; Halifax Nova Scotia Canada
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19
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Maternal immune activation and abnormal brain development across CNS disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:643-60. [PMID: 25311587 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 595] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between maternal infection and schizophrenia or autism in the progeny. Animal models have revealed maternal immune activation (mIA) to be a profound risk factor for neurochemical and behavioural abnormalities in the offspring. Microglial priming has been proposed as a major consequence of mIA, and represents a critical link in a causal chain that leads to the wide spectrum of neuronal dysfunctions and behavioural phenotypes observed in the juvenile, adult or aged offspring. Such diversity of phenotypic outcomes in the mIA model are mirrored by recent clinical evidence suggesting that infectious exposure during pregnancy is also associated with epilepsy and, to a lesser extent, cerebral palsy in children. Preclinical research also suggests that mIA might precipitate the development of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Here, we summarize and critically review the emerging evidence that mIA is a shared environmental risk factor across CNS disorders that varies as a function of interactions between genetic and additional environmental factors. We also review ongoing clinical trials targeting immune pathways affected by mIA that may play a part in disease manifestation. In addition, future directions and outstanding questions are discussed, including potential symptomatic, disease-modifying and preventive treatment strategies.
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20
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Jones NC, O'Brien TJ, Carmant L. Interaction between sex and early-life stress: influence on epileptogenesis and epilepsy comorbidities. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt B:233-41. [PMID: 25266701 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common brain disorder which is characterised by recurring seizures. In addition to suffering from the constant stress of living with this neurological condition, patients also frequently experience comorbid psychiatric and cognitive disorders which significantly impact their quality of life. There is growing appreciation that stress, in particular occurring in early life, can negatively impact brain development, creating an enduring vulnerability to develop epilepsy. This aligns with the solid connections between early life environments and the development of psychiatric conditions, promoting the possibility that adverse early life events could represent a common risk factor for the later development of both epilepsy and comorbid psychiatric disorders. The influence of sex has been little studied, but recent research points to potential important interactions, particularly with regard to effects mediated by HPA axis programming. Understanding these interactions, and the underlying molecular mechanisms, will provide important new insights into the causation of both epilepsy and of psychiatric disorders, and potentially open up novel avenues for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), Melbourne Brain Centre, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lionel Carmant
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
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21
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Wang J, Wang J, Zhang Y, Yang G, Shang AJ, Zou LP. Proteomic analysis on infantile spasm and prenatal stress. Epilepsy Res 2014; 108:1174-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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22
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van Campen JS, Jansen FE, de Graan PNE, Braun KPJ, Joels M. Early life stress in epilepsy: a seizure precipitant and risk factor for epileptogenesis. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 38:160-71. [PMID: 24144618 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 09/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Stress can influence epilepsy in multiple ways. A relation between stress and seizures is often experienced by patients with epilepsy. Numerous questionnaire and diary studies have shown that stress is the most often reported seizure-precipitating factor in epilepsy. Acute stress can provoke epileptic seizures, and chronic stress increases seizure frequency. In addition to its effects on seizure susceptibility in patients with epilepsy, stress might also increase the risk of epilepsy development, especially when the stressors are severe, prolonged, or experienced early in life. Although the latter has not been fully resolved in humans, various preclinical epilepsy models have shown increased seizure susceptibility in naïve rodents after prenatal and early postnatal stress exposure. In the current review, we first provide an overview of the effects of stress on the brain. Thereafter, we discuss human as well as preclinical studies evaluating the relation between stress, epileptic seizures, and epileptogenesis, focusing on the epileptogenic effects of early life stress. Increased knowledge on the interaction between early life stress, seizures, and epileptogenesis could improve patient care and provide a basis for new treatment strategies for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien S van Campen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Floor E Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre N E de Graan
- Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kees P J Braun
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Joels
- Department of Neuroscience & Pharmacology, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands
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23
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Korgan AC, Green AD, Perrot TS, Esser MJ. Limbic system activation is affected by prenatal predator exposure and postnatal environmental enrichment and further moderated by dam and sex. Behav Brain Res 2013; 259:106-18. [PMID: 24185030 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a relatively common and chronic neurological condition, affecting 1-2% of the population. However, understanding of the underlying pathophysiology remains incomplete. To identify potential factors in the early environment that may increase the risk for experiencing seizures, maternal stress and environmental enrichment (EE) were utilized. Pregnant Long-Evans rats were exposed to an ethologically relevant predator stress (PS) and maternal glucocorticoid (GC) response was assessed across the exposure period. At birth, litters were divided into standard care (SC) and EE groups until postnatal day 14 (PD14) when a model of febrile convulsions was used to determine seizure susceptibility of the various groups. Pup brains were then processed for immunohistochemical detection of FosB from several structures in the limbic system as a measure of neuronal activation. Maternal PS-induced GC levels were elevated early in the exposure period, and pup birth weights, in both sexes, were lower in litters from dams exposed to PS. Seizure scores at PD14 were highly individualized and litter dependent, suggesting a dam-dependent and variable effect of controlled pre- and postnatal environmental factors. Further, analysis of FosB-immunoreactive (-ir) patterns revealed an activity dependent distribution, reflecting individual seizure susceptibility. EE had a varying effect on FosB-ir that was dependent on region. In the hippocampus FosB-ir levels were greater in the EE groups while extra-hippocampal regions showed lower levels of FosB-ir. Our results support the concept that pre- and postnatal environmental influences affect fetal programming and neurodevelopment of processes that could underlie seizure susceptibility, but that the magnitude of these effects appears to be dam- or litter-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin C Korgan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Amanda D Green
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tara S Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Michael J Esser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, IWK Health Care Centre, Halifax, NS, Canada
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24
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Moriyama C, Galic MA, Mychasiuk R, Pittman QJ, Perrot TS, Currie RW, Esser MJ. Prenatal transport stress, postnatal maternal behavior, and offspring sex differentially affect seizure susceptibility in young rats. Epilepsy Behav 2013; 29:19-27. [PMID: 23920381 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2013.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a heterogeneous and chronic neurological condition of undefined etiology in the majority of cases. Similarly, the pathogenesis of the unprovoked seizures that lead to epilepsy is not known. We are interested in the factors that modify inherent seizure susceptibility, with a particular focus on those occurring during the prenatal and early postnatal periods. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were bred in-house or transported during pregnancy at one of two gestational days (G9 or G16). The effects of transport stress, maternal behavior, and offspring sex were then examined in terms of how they were related to provoked seizure susceptibility to kainic acid (KA) or a model of febrile convulsions (FCs) on postnatal day 14 (P14). We also examined the pattern of neuronal activation in the hippocampus and amygdala as indicated by the density of FosB protein immunoreactivity (FosB-ir). Results demonstrated only a small and inconsistent effect of transport alone, suggesting that the groups differed slightly prior to experimental manipulations. However, the influence of maternal behaviors such as licking and grooming (LG), arched back nursing (ABN), and dam-off time (DO) exerted a much stronger effect on the offspring. Dams designated as high LG gave birth to smaller litters, had pups that weighed less, had greater seizure susceptibility and severity, and had more FosB-ir neurons predominantly in the ventral hippocampus and the medial subnucleus of the amygdala (MeA). We also found a sex-dependent effect such that P14 males were smaller than their female littermates and had a greater seizure susceptibility and severity. Taken together, these results suggest an impact of prenatal and postnatal factors, as well as sex, on seizure susceptibility in young animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikako Moriyama
- Department of Medical Neurosciences, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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