Early-life status epilepticus induces long-term deficits in anxiety and spatial learning in mice

Pannexin1 Mediates Early-Life Seizure-Induced Social Behavior Deficits

There is a high co-morbidity between childhood epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with age of seizure onset being a critical determinant of behavioral outcomes. The interplay between these comorbidities has been investigated in animal models with results showing that the induction of seizures at early post-natal ages leads to learning and memory deficits and to autistic-like behavior in adulthood. Modifications of the excitation/inhibition (glutamate/GABA, ATP/adenosine) balance that follows early-life seizures (ELS) are thought to be the physiological events that underlie neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Although alterations in purinergic/adenosinergic signaling have been implicated in seizures and ASD, it is unknown whether the ATP release channels, Pannexin1 (Panx1), contribute to ELS-induced behavior changes. To tackle this question, we used the ELS-kainic acid model in transgenic mice with global and cell type specific deletion of Panx1 to evaluate whether these channels were involved in behavioral deficits that occur later in life. Our studies show that ELS results in Panx1 dependent social behavior deficits and also in poor performance in a spatial memory test that does not involve Panx1. These findings provide support for a link between ELS and adult behavioral deficits. Moreover, we identify neuronal and not astrocyte Panx1 as a potential target to specifically limit astrogliosis and social behavioral deficits resultant from early-life seizures.

Activated protein C signaling mediates neuroinflammation in seizure induced by pilocarpine

Epilepsy is one of the most common and oldest neurological disorders, characterized by periodic seizures that affect millions globally. Despite its long history, its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Additionally, the current treatment methods have their limitations. Finding a new alternative is necessary. Activated Protein C (APC) has been proven to have neurological protection in other neurological disorders; however, there is no study that focuses on the role of APC in seizures. We propose that APC's protective effect could be associated with seizures through inflammation and apoptosis regulation. The results demonstrated that APC's pathway proteins are involved in neuroprotection mechanisms in seizure-induced models by acting on certain inflammatory factors, such as NF-κB and apoptosis proteins.

Cognition, Behavior, and Psychosocial Effects of Seizures in the Developing Brain

Epilepsy, a complex neurological disorder of recurrent seizures, is associated with significant impacts on the developing brain. Patients commonly face multiple comorbidities, including debilitating effects on cognition, behavior, and psychiatric outcomes. These conditions can be a source of great distress for patients that may even be greater than the burden of epilepsy itself. Here we investigate the relationship between seizures and the development of these comorbidities, specifically cognition, memory, learning, behavior, and psychiatric disorders. We first delineate the current research methodology in clinical and basic science that is employed to study the impact of epilepsy and seizures. We then explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development of seizures and cognitive and behavioral outcomes. Potential avenues of intervention to best support individuals and optimize their neurodevelopmental progress are also highlighted.