Plasticity, synaptic strength, and epilepsy: what can we learn from ultrastructural data?

A Novel Ubiquitin Ligase Adaptor PTPRN Suppresses Seizure Susceptibility through Endocytosis of NaV1.2 Sodium Channels

Intrinsic plasticity, a fundamental process enabling neurons to modify their intrinsic properties, plays a crucial role in shaping neuronal input-output function and is implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Despite its importance, the underlying molecular mechanisms of intrinsic plasticity remain poorly understood. In this study, a new ubiquitin ligase adaptor, protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type N (PTPRN), is identified as a regulator of intrinsic neuronal excitability in the context of temporal lobe epilepsy. PTPRN recruits the NEDD4 Like E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (NEDD4L) to NaV1.2 sodium channels, facilitating NEDD4L-mediated ubiquitination, and endocytosis of NaV1.2. Knockout of PTPRN in hippocampal granule cells leads to augmented NaV1.2-mediated sodium currents and higher intrinsic excitability, resulting in increased seizure susceptibility in transgenic mice. Conversely, adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of PTPRN in the dentate gyrus region decreases intrinsic excitability and reduces seizure susceptibility. Moreover, the present findings indicate that PTPRN exerts a selective modulation effect on voltage-gated sodium channels. Collectively, PTPRN plays a significant role in regulating intrinsic excitability and seizure susceptibility, suggesting a potential strategy for precise modulation of NaV1.2 channels' function.

The Role of Glutamate and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption as a Mechanistic Link between Epilepsy and Depression

Epilepsy is associated with substantial neuropsychiatric impairments that persist long after the onset of the condition, significantly impacting quality of life. The goal of this review was to uncover how the pathological consequences of epilepsy, such as excessive glutamate release and a disrupted blood-brain barrier (BBB), contribute to the emergence of neuropsychiatric disorders. We hypothesize that epilepsy induces a dysfunctional BBB through hyperexcitation, which then further amplifies post-ictal glutamate levels and, thus, triggers neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric processes. This review identifies the determinants of glutamate concentration levels in the brain and explores potential therapeutic interventions that restore BBB integrity. Our focus on therapeutic BBB restoration is guided by the premise that it may improve glutamate regulation, consequently mitigating the neurotoxicity that contributes to the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Synaptic reorganization of synchronized neuronal networks with synaptic weight and structural plasticity

Abnormally strong neural synchronization may impair brain function, as observed in several brain disorders. We computationally study how neuronal dynamics, synaptic weights, and network structure co-emerge, in particular, during (de)synchronization processes and how they are affected by external perturbation. To investigate the impact of different types of plasticity mechanisms, we combine a network of excitatory integrate-and-fire neurons with different synaptic weight and/or structural plasticity mechanisms: (i) only spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), (ii) only homeostatic structural plasticity (hSP), i.e., without weight-dependent pruning and without STDP, (iii) a combination of STDP and hSP, i.e., without weight-dependent pruning, and (iv) a combination of STDP and structural plasticity (SP) that includes hSP and weight-dependent pruning. To accommodate the diverse time scales of neuronal firing, STDP, and SP, we introduce a simple stochastic SP model, enabling detailed numerical analyses. With tools from network theory, we reveal that structural reorganization may remarkably enhance the network's level of synchrony. When weaker contacts are preferentially eliminated by weight-dependent pruning, synchrony is achieved with significantly sparser connections than in randomly structured networks in the STDP-only model. In particular, the strengthening of contacts from neurons with higher natural firing rates to those with lower rates and the weakening of contacts in the opposite direction, followed by selective removal of weak contacts, allows for strong synchrony with fewer connections. This activity-led network reorganization results in the emergence of degree-frequency, degree-degree correlations, and a mixture of degree assortativity. We compare the stimulation-induced desynchronization of synchronized states in the STDP-only model (i) with the desynchronization of models (iii) and (iv). The latter require stimuli of significantly higher intensity to achieve long-term desynchronization. These findings may inform future pre-clinical and clinical studies with invasive or non-invasive stimulus modalities aiming at inducing long-lasting relief of symptoms, e.g., in Parkinson's disease.

Epileptiform activity influences theta-burst induced LTP in the adult hippocampus: a role for synaptic lipid raft disruption in early metaplasticity?

Non-epileptic seizures are identified as a common epileptogenic trigger. Early metaplasticity following seizures may contribute to epileptogenesis by abnormally altering synaptic strength and homeostatic plasticity. We now studied how in vitro epileptiform activity (EA) triggers early changes in CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by theta-burst stimulation (TBS) in rat hippocampal slices and the involvement of lipid rafts in these early metaplasticity events. Two forms of EA were induced: (1) interictal-like EA evoked by Mg²⁺ withdrawal and K⁺ elevation to 6 mM in the superfusion medium or (2) ictal-like EA induced by bicuculline (10 μM). Both EA patterns induced and LTP-like effect on CA1 synaptic transmission prior to LTP induction. LTP induced 30 min post EA was impaired, an effect more pronounced after ictal-like EA. LTP recovered to control levels 60 min post interictal-like EA but was still impaired 60 min after ictal-like EA. The synaptic molecular events underlying this altered LTP were investigated 30 min post EA in synaptosomes isolated from these slices. EA enhanced AMPA GluA1 Ser831 phosphorylation but decreased Ser845 phosphorylation and the GluA1/GluA2 ratio. Flotillin-1 and caveolin-1 were markedly decreased concomitantly with a marked increase in gephyrin levels and a less prominent increase in PSD-95. Altogether, EA differentially influences hippocampal CA1 LTP thorough regulation of GluA1/GluA2 levels and AMPA GluA1 phosphorylation suggesting that altered LTP post-seizures is a relevant target for antiepileptogenic therapies. In addition, this metaplasticity is also associated with marked alterations in classic and synaptic lipid raft markers, suggesting these may also constitute promising targets in epileptogenesis prevention.

Role of long noncoding RNAs; BDNF-AS and 17A and their relation to GABAergic dysfunction in Egyptian epileptic patients

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. Lately, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly appreciated as regulators of epilepsy-related processes, however, their functional role in its pathogenesis is still to be explored. This study investigated the expression levels of lncRNAs; BDNF-AS and 17A in the sera of Egyptian patients with idiopathic generalized and symptomatic focal epilepsy and correlated their levels with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phosphorylated cAMP reaction element -binding protein (p-CREB), gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate, to underline their related molecular mechanism. A total of 70 epileptic patients were divided into two clinical types, besides 30 healthy controls of matched age and sex. The expression levels of both lncRNAs were markedly upregulated in epileptic groups versus the healthy control group with predominance in the symptomatic focal one. Epileptic patients showed significantly lower levels of BDNF, p-CREB, GABA along with significant increase of glutamate levels and glutamate/ GABA ratio, especially in symptomatic focal versus idiopathic generalized epileptic ones. The obtained data raised the possibility that these lncRNAs might be involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy via inhibition of GABA/p-CREB/BDNF pathway. The study shed light on the putative role of these lncRNAs in better diagnosis of epilepsy, particularly symptomatic focal epilepsy.

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway in Epilepsy

Epilepsy is defined as spontaneous recurrent seizures in the brain. There is increasing evidence that inflammatory mediators and immune cells are involved in epileptic seizures. As more research is done on inflammatory factors and immune cells in epilepsy, new targets for the treatment of epilepsy will be revealed. The Janus kinase-signal transducer and transcriptional activator (JAKSTAT) signaling pathway is strongly associated with many immune and inflammatory diseases, At present, more and more studies have found that the JAK-STAT pathway is involved in the development and development of epilepsy, indicating the JAK-STAT pathway's potential promise as a target in epilepsy treatment. In this review, we discuss the composition, activation, and regulation of the JAK-STAT pathway and the relationship between the JAK-STAT pathway and epilepsy. In addition, we summarize the common clinical inhibitors of JAK and STAT that we would expect to be used in epilepsy treatment in the future.

Dual effects of anandamide in the antiepileptic activity of diazepam in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice

The prototype endocannabinoid, anandamide activates both CB 1 and transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels (TRPV1) receptor at different concentrations. At high concentrations, anandamide-mediated TRPV1 effects are opposite to its effects at low concentrations via CB 1 receptor. Thus, synaptic concentrations of anandamide govern the neuronal activity and consequently might affect the response of a drug. This study was undertaken to investigate the influence of high and low doses of anandamide on the anticonvulsant action of diazepam on the subcutaneous dose of pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in Swiss mice weighing 20-25 g. Results revealed that intracerebroventricular administration of capsazepine (a TRPV1 antagonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) and the low doses (10 µg/mouse) of anandamide, AM404 (anandamide transport inhibitor), or URB597 (fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor) augmented the anticonvulsant effect of diazepam. Conversely, higher dose of anandamide, AM404, URB597 (100 µg/mouse) as well as capsaicin (a TRPV1 agonist: 1, 10, or 100 µg/mouse) attenuated the protective effect of diazepam against PTZ-induced seizures. Thus, this study demonstrates that the effects of diazepam may be augmented by activating CB 1 receptors or dampened via TRPV1 receptors. The findings of the present study can be extrapolated to understand the use of TRPV1 blockers alone or in combination of benzodiazepines in the treatment of benzodiazepines-refractory status epilepticus, a condition associated with maladaptive trafficking of synaptic gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate receptors. However, potential clinical applications are needed to further support such preclinical studies.

Cytisine Exerts an Anti-Epileptic Effect via α7nAChRs in a Rat Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Background and Purpose: Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common chronic neurological disease that is often invulnerable to anti-epileptic drugs. Increasing data have demonstrated that acetylcholine (ACh) and cholinergic neurotransmission are involved in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. Cytisine, a full agonist of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) and a partial agonist of α4β2nAChRs, has been widely applied for smoking cessation and has shown neuroprotection in neurological diseases. However, whether cytisine plays a role in treating TLE has not yet been determined.

Experimental Approach: In this study, cytisine was injected intraperitoneally into pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats for three weeks. Alpha-bungarotoxin (α-bgt), a specific α7nAChR antagonist, was used to evaluate the mechanism of action of cytisine. Rats were assayed for the occurrence of seizures and cognitive function by video surveillance and Morris water maze. Hippocampal injuries and synaptic structure were assessed by Nissl staining and Golgi staining. Furthermore, levels of glutamate, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ACh, and α7nAChRs were measured.

Results: Cytisine significantly reduced seizures and hippocampal damage while improving cognition and inhibiting synaptic remodeling in TLE rats. Additionally, cytisine decreased glutamate levels without altering GABA levels, and increased ACh levels and α7nAChR expression in the hippocampi of TLE rats. α-bgt antagonized the above-mentioned effects of cytisine treatment.

Conclusion and Implications: Taken together, these findings indicate that cytisine exerted an anti-epileptic and neuroprotective effect in TLE rats via activation of α7nAChRs, which was associated with a decrease in glutamate levels, inhibition of synaptic remodeling, and improvement of cholinergic transmission in the hippocampus. Hence, our findings not only suggest that cytisine represents a promising anti-epileptic drug, but provides evidence of α7nAChRs as a novel therapeutic target for TLE.

Reflex memory theory of acquired involuntary motor and sensory disorders

Background

Explicit and implicit memories are conserved but flexible biological tools that nature uses to regulate the daily behaviors of human beings. An aberrant form of the implicit memory is presumed to exist and may be contributory to the pathophysiology of disorders such as tardive syndromes, phantom phenomena, flashback, posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD), and related disorders. These disorders have posed significant clinical problems for both patients and physicians for centuries. All extant pathophysiological theories of these disorders have failed to provide basis for effective treatment.

Objective

The objective of this article is to propose an alternative pathophysiological theory that will hopefully lead to new treatment approaches.

Methods

The author sourced over 60 journal articles that treated topics on memory, and involuntary motor and sensory disorders, from open access journals using Google Scholar, and reviewed them and this helped in the formulation of this theory.

Results

From the reviews, the author thinks physical or chemical insult to the nervous system can cause defective circuit remodeling, leading to generation of a variant of implicit (automatic) memory, herein called “reflex memory” and this is encoded interoceptively to contribute to these phenomena states.

Conclusion

Acquired involuntary motor and sensory disorders are caused by defective circuit remodeling involving multiple neural mechanisms. Dysregulation of excitatory neurotransmitters, calcium overload, homeostatic failure, and neurotoxicity are implicated in the process. Sustained effects of these defective mechanisms are encoded interoceptively as abnormal memory in the neurons and the conscious manifestations are these disorders. Extant theories failed to recognize this possibility.

Increased immunoreactivity of glutamate receptors, neuronal nuclear protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of epileptic rats with fast ripple activity

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory transmission is observed. Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter that acts through ionic and metabotropic receptors; both types of receptors are involved in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). High frequency oscillations called fast ripples (FR, 250-600 Hz) have been observed, particularly in the hippocampus, and they are involved in epileptogenesis. The present study analyzed the immunoreactivity of the principal glutamate receptors associated with epilepsy in epileptic animals with FR activity. Male Swiss-Wistar rats (210-250 gr) were injected with pilocarpine (2.4 mg/2 µl) and were video monitored (24/7) until the appearance of spontaneous and recurrent seizures. Then, a deep microelectrode implantation surgery was performed in the DG, CA3 and CA1 regions, and FR activity was observed 1-, 2-, 3-, 7-, and 14-day postsurgery. The animals were sacrificed on day 15, and fluorescence immunohistochemistry was carried out in the hippocampus for the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and mGlu-R5 glutamate receptors as well as Neuronal Nuclear Protein (NeuN) and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP). An increase in the immunoreactivity for the three receptors was found. However, the AMPA receptor showed an increase in the three regions analyzed (i.e., DG, CA1 and CA3). The findings showed a decrease of NeuN in the DG and an increase of GFAP. These results suggest an important role of glutamate receptors in the hippocampus of epileptic rats with FR activity.

miR-135a-5p inhibitor protects glial cells against apoptosis via targeting SIRT1 in epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease that can induce severe physiological brain damage, including nerve cell apoptosis. MicroRNAs (miRs) have been widely investigated in epilepsy therapy. miR-135a-5p expression levels in children with temporal lobe epilepsy were found to be significantly increased. However, whether miR-135a-5p participates in epilepsy-induced cell apoptosis is not completely understood. In the present study, an in vitro model of epilepsy in BV2 microglia cells was induced using 6-µm kainic acid (KA). Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR was performed to analyze miR-135a-5p and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) mRNA expression levels. Western blotting was performed to measure SIRT1 protein expression levels. BV2 cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed by performing MTT assays and flow cytometry, respectively. A BCA protein assay kit was used to detect caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities. TargetScan and dual luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the interaction between miR-135a-5p and the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of SIRT1. miR-135a-5p expression was significantly increased in the KA-induced in vitro model of epilepsy in BV2 microglia. miR-135a-5p inhibitor effectively promoted BV2 microglia proliferation and inhibited microglia apoptosis, whereas small interfering RNA targeting SIRT1 significantly repressed BV2 microglia proliferation and induced microglia apoptosis. In addition, the results demonstrated that the 3'-UTR of SIRT1 mRNA was targeted by miR-135a-5p, and SIRT1 knockdown attenuated miR-135a-5p inhibitor-mediated effects on epilepsy. In summary, the results of the present study identified the role of miR-135a-5p inhibitor pretreatment in protecting nerve cells against epilepsy-induced apoptosis and provided a novel strategy for the treatment of neural damage in seizures.

Remodeling of brain morphology in temporal lobe epilepsy

BACKGROUND

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most widespread neurological network disorders. Computational anatomy MRI studies demonstrate a robust pattern of cortical volume loss. Most statistical analyses provide information about localization of significant focal differences in a segregationist way. Multivariate Bayesian modeling provides a framework allowing inferences about inter-regional dependencies. We adopt this approach to answer following questions: Which structures within a pattern of dynamic epilepsy-associated brain anatomy reorganization best predict TLE pathology. Do these structures differ between TLE subtypes?

METHODS

We acquire clinical and MRI data from TLE patients with and without hippocampus sclerosis (n = 128) additional to healthy volunteers (n = 120). MRI data were analyzed in the computational anatomy framework of SPM12 using classical mass-univariate analysis followed by multivariate Bayesian modeling.

RESULTS

After obtaining TLE-associated brain anatomy pattern, we estimate predictive power for disease and TLE subtypes using Bayesian model selection and comparison. We show that ipsilateral para-/hippocampal regions contribute most to disease-related differences between TLE and healthy controls independent of TLE laterality and subtype. Prefrontal cortical changes are more discriminative for left-sided TLE, whereas thalamus and temporal pole for right-sided TLE. The presence of hippocampus sclerosis was linked to stronger involvement of thalamus and temporal lobe regions; frontoparietal involvement was predominant in absence of sclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our topology inferences on brain anatomy demonstrate a differential contribution of structures within limbic and extralimbic circuits linked to main effects of TLE and hippocampal sclerosis. We interpret our results as evidence for TLE-related spatial modulation of anatomical networks.

Loss of IQSEC3 Disrupts GABAergic Synapse Maintenance and Decreases Somatostatin Expression in the Hippocampus

Gephyrin interacts with various GABAergic synaptic proteins to organize GABAergic synapse development. Among the multitude of gephyrin-binding proteins is IQSEC3, a recently identified component at GABAergic synapses that acts through its ADP ribosylation factor-guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ARF-GEF) activity to orchestrate GABAergic synapse formation. Here, we show that IQSEC3 knockdown (KD) reduced GABAergic synaptic density in vivo, suggesting that IQSEC3 is required for GABAergic synapse maintenance in vivo. We further show that IQSEC3 KD in the dentate gyrus (DG) increases seizure susceptibility and triggers selective depletion of somatostatin (SST) peptides in the DG hilus in an ARF-GEP activity-dependent manner. Strikingly, selective introduction of SST into SST interneurons in DG-specific IQSEC3-KD mice reverses GABAergic synaptic deficits. Thus, our data suggest that IQSEC3 is required for linking gephyrin-GABAA receptor complexes with ARF-dependent pathways to prevent aberrant, runaway excitation and thereby contributes to the integrity of SST interneurons and proper GABAergic synapse maintenance.

Cannabinoids, TRPV and nitric oxide: the three ring circus of neuronal excitability

Endocannabinoid system is considered a relevant player in the regulation of neuronal excitability, since it contributes to maintaining the balance of the synaptic ionic milieu. Perturbations to bioelectric conductances have been implicated in the pathophysiological processes leading to hyperexcitability and epileptic seizures. Cannabinoid influence on neurosignalling is exerted on classic receptor-mediated mechanisms or on further molecular targets. Among these, transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) are ionic channels modulated by cannabinoids that are involved in the transduction of a plethora of stimuli and trigger fundamental downstream pathways in the post-synaptic site. In this review, we aim at providing a brief summary of the most recent data about the cross-talk between cannabinoid system and TRPV channels, drawing attention on their role on neuronal hyperexcitability. Then, we aim to unveil a plausible point of interaction between these neural signalling systems taking into consideration nitric oxide, a gaseous molecule inducing profound modifications to neural performances. From this novel perspective, we struggle to propose innovative cellular mechanisms in the regulation of hyperexcitability phenomena, with the goal of exploring plausible CB-related mechanisms underpinning epileptic seizures.

Trajectories of brain remodeling in temporal lobe epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy has been usually associated with progressive brain atrophy due to neuronal cell loss. However, recent animal models demonstrated a dual effect of epileptic seizures with initial enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis followed by abnormal astrocyte proliferation and neurogenesis depletion in the chronic stage. Our aim was to test for the hypothesized bidirectional pattern of epilepsy-associated brain remodeling in the context of the presence and absence of mesial temporal lobe sclerosis. We acquired MRIs from a large cohort of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy patients with or without hippocampus sclerosis on radiological examination. The statistical analysis tested explicitly for common and differential brain patterns between the two patients' cohorts and healthy controls within the computational anatomy framework of voxel-based morphometry. The main effect of disease was associated with continuous hippocampus volume loss ipsilateral to the seizure onset zone in both temporal lobe epilepsy cohorts. The post hoc simple effects tests demonstrated bilateral hippocampus volume increase in the early epilepsy stages in patients without hippocampus sclerosis. Early age of onset and longer disease duration correlated with volume decrease in the ipsilateral hippocampus. Our findings of seizure-induced hippocampal remodeling are associated with specific patterns of mesial temporal lobe atrophy that are modulated by individual clinical phenotype features. Directionality of hippocampus volume changes strongly depends on the chronicity of disease. Specific anatomy differences represent a snapshot within a progressive continuum of seizure-induced structural remodeling.

Network and Pathway-Based Analysis of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism of miRNA in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a complex disease with its pathogenetic mechanism still unclear. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of miRNA (miRSNPs) are SNPs located on miRNA genes or target sites of miRNAs, which have been proved to be associated with neuropsychic disease development by interfering with miRNA-mediated regulatory function. In this study, we integrated TLE-related risk genes and risk pathways multi-dimensionally based on public data resources. Furthermore, we systematically screened candidate functional miRSNPs for TLE and constructed a TLE-associated pathway-based miRSNP switching network, which included 92 miRNAs that target 12 TLE risk pathways. Moreover, we dissected thoroughly the correlation between 5 risk genes of 4 risk pathways and TLE development. Additionally, the biological function of several candidate miRSNPs were validated by luciferase reporter assay. In silico approach facilitates to select potential "miRSNP-miRNA-risk gene-pathway" axis for experimental validation, which provided new insights into the mechanism of miRSNPs as potential genetic risk factors of TLE.

Improving cognitive task in kindled rats by using low frequency stimulation during epileptogenesis

Numerous studies indicate that one of the bad effects of epilepsy is cognitive impairment. In this study we focused on the effect of LFS as a potential anticonvulsant agent, during epileptogenesis on cognitive impairments induced by amygdala kindling in rat. Twenty-one adult rats were divided into 3 groups including control (n = 7), kindled (n = 7), and Kindled+LFS (KLFS) (n = 7). Animals in the kindled group received kindling stimulation in a rapid kindling manner (a 3 s train of 50 Hz monophasic pulses of 1 ms duration, 12 times a day) in amygdala whereas control animals had no stimulation. Four packages of LFS (each package consisting of 200 monophasic square pulses, 0.1 ms pulse duration at 1 Hz) were applied daily after termination of kindling stimulation in KLFS group. Spatial memory of all animals was tested using radial arm maze after termination of stimulation on acquisition trial days and 14 days after the final acquisition trial test. Epileptogenesis process significantly increased working and reference memory error compared to control groups whereas application of LFS immediately after kindling stimulation prevented this impairment in 8 arm radial maze and there was no significant difference between KLS and control groups. Our results indicated that application of LFS during kindling acquisition suppresses memory impairment in epileptogenesis by kindling stimulation.

Predicting seizure by modeling synaptic plasticity based on EEG signals - a case study of inherited epilepsy

This paper explores the internal dynamical mechanisms of epileptic seizures through quantitative modeling based on full brain electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. Our goal is to provide seizure prediction and facilitate treatment for epileptic patients. Motivated by an earlier mathematical model with incorporated synaptic plasticity, we studied the nonlinear dynamics of inherited seizures through a differential equation model. First, driven by a set of clinical inherited electroencephalogram data recorded from a patient with diagnosed Glucose Transporter Deficiency, we developed a dynamic seizure model on a system of ordinary differential equations. The model was reduced in complexity after considering and removing redundancy of each EEG channel. Then we verified that the proposed model produces qualitatively relevant behavior which matches the basic experimental observations of inherited seizure, including synchronization index and frequency. Meanwhile, the rationality of the connectivity structure hypothesis in the modeling process was verified. Further, through varying the threshold condition and excitation strength of synaptic plasticity, we elucidated the effect of synaptic plasticity to our seizure model. Results suggest that synaptic plasticity has great effect on the duration of seizure activities, which support the plausibility of therapeutic interventions for seizure control.

Interactions Between Epilepsy and Plasticity

Undoubtedly, one of the most interesting topics in the field of neuroscience is the ability of the central nervous system to respond to different stimuli (normal or pathological) by modifying its structure and function, either transiently or permanently, by generating neural cells and new connections in a process known as neuroplasticity. According to the large amount of evidence reported in the literature, many stimuli, such as environmental pressures, changes in the internal dynamic steady state of the organism and even injuries or illnesses (e.g., epilepsy) may induce neuroplasticity. Epilepsy and neuroplasticity seem to be closely related, as the two processes could positively affect one another. Thus, in this review, we analysed some neuroplastic changes triggered in the hippocampus in response to seizure-induced neuronal damage and how these changes could lead to the establishment of temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common type of focal human epilepsy.

Inhibition of transient potential receptor vanilloid type 1 suppresses seizure susceptibility in the genetically epilepsy-prone rat

AIMS

Intracellular calcium plays an important role in neuronal hyperexcitability that leads to seizures. One calcium influx route of interest is the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel. Here, we evaluated the effects of capsazepine (CPZ), a potent blocker of TRPV1 channels on acoustically evoked seizures (audiogenic seizures, AGS) in the genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR-3), a model of inherited epilepsy.

METHODS

Male and female GEPR-3s were used. For the acute CPZ treatment study, GEPR-3s were tested for AGS susceptibility before and after treatment with various doses of CPZ (0, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg; ip). For semichronic CPZ treatment study, GEPR-3s were tested for AGS susceptibility before and after 5-day CPZ treatment at the dose of 1 mg/kg (ip). The prevalence, latency, and severity of AGS were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

We found that acute CPZ pretreatment reduced the seizure severity in male GEPR-3s; the effect was dose-dependent. In female GEPR-3s, however, CPZ treatment completely suppressed the seizure susceptibility. Furthermore, semichronic CPZ treatment suppressed seizure susceptibility in female GEPR-3s, but only reduced the seizure severity in male GEPR-3s.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the TRPV1 channel is a promising molecular target for seizure suppression, with female GEPR-3s exhibiting higher sensitivity than male GEPR-3s.

Involvement of TRPV1 channels in the activity of the cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 in an acute rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy

The exogenous cannabinoid agonist WIN 55,212-2, (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3-(4-morpholinylmethyl) pyrrolo[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-Yl]-1-naphthalenylmethanone (WIN), has revealed to play a role on modulating the hyperexcitability phenomena in the hippocampus. Cannabinoid-mediated mechanisms of neuroprotection have recently been found to imply the modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), a cationic channel subfamily that regulate synaptic excitation. In our study, we assessed the influence of pharmacological manipulation of TRPV1 function, alone and on WIN antiepileptic activity, in the Maximal Dentate Activation (MDA) acute model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Our results showed that the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, increased epileptic outcomes; whilst antagonizing TRPV1 with capsazepine exerts a protective role on paroxysmal discharge. When capsaicin is co-administered with WIN effective dose of 10mg/kg is able to reduce its antiepileptic strength, especially on the triggering of MDA response. Accordingly, capsazepine at the protective dose of 2mg/kg managed to potentiate WIN antiepileptic effects, when co-treated. Moreover, WIN subeffective dose of 5mg/kg was turned into effective when capsazepine comes into play. This evidence suggests that systemic administration of TRPV1-active drugs influences electrically induced epilepsy, with a noticeable protective activity for capsazepine. Furthermore, results from the pharmacological interaction with WIN support an interplay between cannabinoid and TRPV1 signaling that could represent a promising approach for a future pharmacological strategy to challenge hyperexcitability-based diseases.

Synaptopathies: synaptic dysfunction in neurological disorders - A review from students to students

Synapses are essential components of neurons and allow information to travel coordinately throughout the nervous system to adjust behavior to environmental stimuli and to control body functions, memories, and emotions. Thus, optimal synaptic communication is required for proper brain physiology, and slight perturbations of synapse function can lead to brain disorders. In fact, increasing evidence has demonstrated the relevance of synapse dysfunction as a major determinant of many neurological diseases. This notion has led to the concept of synaptopathies as brain diseases with synapse defects as shared pathogenic features. In this review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer and Parkinson disease). We finally discuss the appropriateness and potential implications of gathering synapse diseases under a single term. Understanding common causes and intrinsic differences in disease-associated synaptic dysfunction could offer novel clues toward synapse-based therapeutic intervention for neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, which was initiated at the 13th International Society for Neurochemistry (ISN) Advanced School, we discuss basic concepts of synapse structure and function, and provide a critical view of how aberrant synapse physiology may contribute to neurodevelopmental (autism, Down syndrome, startle disease, and epilepsy) as well as neurodegenerative disorders (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases), gathered together under the term of synaptopathies. Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 783.

Glutamatergic Mechanisms Associated with Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is broadly characterized by aberrant neuronal excitability. Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the adult mammalian brain; thus, much of past epilepsy research has attempted to understand the role of glutamate in seizures and epilepsy. Seizures induce elevations in extracellular glutamate, which then contribute to excitotoxic damage. Chronic seizures can alter neuronal and glial expression of glutamate receptors and uptake transporters, further contributing to epileptogenesis. Evidence points to a shared glutamate pathology for epilepsy and other central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including depression, which is often a comorbidity of epilepsy. Therapies that target glutamatergic neurotransmission are available, but many have met with difficulty because of untoward adverse effects. Better understanding of this system has generated novel therapeutic targets that directly and indirectly modulate glutamatergic signaling. Thus, future efforts to manage the epileptic patient with glutamatergic-centric treatments now hold greater potential.

Impaired dendritic inhibition leads to epileptic activity in a computer model of CA3

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common type of epilepsy with hippocampus as the usual site of origin. The CA3 subfield of hippocampus is reported to have a low epileptic threshold and hence initiates the disorder in patients with TLE. This study computationally investigates how impaired dendritic inhibition of pyramidal cells in the vulnerable CA3 subfield leads to generation of epileptic activity. A model of CA3 subfield consisting of 800 pyramidal cells, 200 basket cells (BC) and 200 Oriens-Lacunosum Moleculare (O-LM) interneurons was used. The dendritic inhibition provided by O-LM interneurons is reported to be selectively impaired in some TLEs. A step-wise approach is taken to investigate how alterations in network connectivity lead to generation of epileptic patterns. Initially, dendritic inhibition alone was reduced, followed by an increase in the external inputs received at the distal dendrites of pyramidal cells, and finally additional changes were made at the synapses between all neurons in the network. In the first case, when the dendritic inhibition of pyramidal cells alone was reduced, the local field potential activity changed from a theta-modulated gamma pattern to a prominently gamma frequency pattern. In the second case, in addition to this reduction of dendritic inhibition, with a simultaneous large increase in the external excitatory inputs received by pyramidal cells, the basket cells entered a state of depolarization block, causing the network to generate a typical ictal activity pattern. In the third case, when the dendritic inhibition onto the pyramidal cells was reduced and changes were simultaneously made in synaptic connectivity between all neurons in the network, the basket cells were again observed to enter depolarization block. In the third case, impairment of dendritic inhibition required to generate an ictal activity pattern was lesser than the two previous cases. Moreover, the ictal like activity began earlier in the third case. Hence, our study suggests that greater synaptic plasticity occurring in the whole network due to increase in reception of external excitatory inputs (due to impaired dendritic inhibition) makes the network more susceptible to generation of epileptic activity.

Effect of low-frequency stimulation on kindling induced changes in rat dentate gyrus: an ultrastructural study

It has been shown that low-frequency stimulation (LFS) can induce anticonvulsant effects. In this study, the effect of different LFS frequencies on kindling induced behavioral and ultrastructural changes was investigated. For induction of kindled seizures in rats, stimulating and recording electrodes were implanted in perforant path and dentate gyrus, respectively. Animals were stimulated in a rapid kindling manner. Different groups of animals received LFS at different frequencies (0.5, 1 and 5 Hz) following kindling stimulations and their effects on kindling rate were determined using behavioral and ultrastructural studies. Kindling stimulations were applied for 7 days. Then, the animals were sacrificed and their dentate gyrus was sampled for ultrastructural studies under electron microscopy. All three used LFS frequencies (0.5, 1 and 5 Hz) had a significant inhibitory effect on kindling rate and decreased afterdischarge duration and the number of stimulations to achieve stage 4 and 5 seizures significantly. In addition, application of LFS prevented the increase in the post-synaptic density and induction of concave synaptic vesicles following kindling. There was no significant change between anticonvulsant effects of LFS at different frequencies. Obtained results show that LFS application can prevent the neuronal hyperexcitability by preventing the ultrastructural changes during kindling and this may be one of the mechanisms of LFS anticonvulsant effects.

Overexpression of MAP-2 via formation of microtubules plays an important role in the sprouting of mossy fibers in epileptic rats

This study aims to investigate the changes of microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) in epileptic dentate gyrus and significance in epilepsy. Alterations in MAP-2 immunoreactivity (MAP2-IR) in kindling model of epilepsy were investigated in rats with survival times ranging from 3 to 30 days. Nissl staining and electron microscopic studies were used to explore more deeply. Electron microscopic was employed to detect tubulin formation and assembly. Immunohistochemical assay was used to examine co-localization of tubulin and MMP-2. Results indicated that MAP2-IR obviously enhanced in dendrites of granule cells 3 days after kindling and remained enhanced up to 14 days (P < 0.01). It returned to control patterns 20 to 30 days after kindling (P < 0.01). Nissl staining demonstrated a negative correlation between enhancement of MAP-2 and degeneration of hilar neurons (r = -0.9274). Electron microscopic studies showed that microtubules of dendrite in dentate molecular increased 3 days after kindling and obviously increased 14 days after kindling (P < 0.05). Tubulin protein showed a well co-localization with MMP-2 protein. Treatment of paclitaxel significantly decreased tubulin formation and assembly compared with untreated group (P < 0.01). Sprouting of dentate granule cell axons and synaptic contacts between nerve terminal and dendrite were discovered. Overexpression of MAP-2 via formation of microtubules plays an important role in the sprouting of mossy fibers in epileptic rats.

What are the arguments for and against rational therapy for epilepsy?

Although more than a dozen new anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) have entered the market since 1993, a substantial proportion of patients (~30 %) remain refractory to current treatments. Thus, a concerted effort to identify and develop new therapies that will help these patients continues. Until this effort succeeds, it is reasonable to re-assess the use of currently available therapies and to consider how these therapies might be utilized in a more efficacious manner. This applies to the selection of monotherapies in newly-diagnosed epilepsy, but perhaps, more importantly, to the choice of combination treatments in otherwise drug-refractory epilepsy. Rational polytherapy is a concept that is predicated on the combination of drugs with complementary mechanisms of action (MoAs) that work synergistically to maximize efficacy and minimize the potential for adverse events. Furthermore, rational polytherapy requires a detailed understanding of the MoA subclasses amongst available ASDs and an appreciation of the empirical evidence that supports the use of specific combinations. The majority of ASDs can be loosely categorized into those that target neurotransmission and network hyperexcitability, modulate intrinsic neuronal properties through ion channels, or possess broad-spectrum efficacy as a result of multiple mechanisms. Within each of these categories, there are discrete pharmacological profiles that differentiate individual ASDs. This chapter will consider how knowledge of MoA can help guide therapy in a rational manner, both in the selection of monotherapies for specific seizure types and syndromes, but also in the choice of drug combinations for patients whose epilepsy is not optimally controlled with a single ASD.

Alterations in miRNA levels in the dentate gyrus in epileptic rats

The aim of this study was to characterize changes in miRNA expression in the epileptic dentate gyrus. Status epilepticus evoked by amygdala stimulation was used to induce epilepsy in rats. The dentate gyri were isolated at 7 d, 14 d, 30 d and 90 d after stimulation (n=5). Sham-operated time-matched controls were prepared for each time point (n=5). The miRNA expression was evaluated using Exiqon microarrays. Additionally, mRNA from the same animals was profiled using Affymetrix microarrays. We detected miRNA expression signatures that differentiate between control and epileptic animals. Significant changes in miRNA expression between stimulated and sham operated animals were observed at 7 and 30 d following stimulation. Moreover, we found that there are ensembles of miRNAs that change expression levels over time. Analysis of the mRNA expression from the same animals revealed that the expression of several mRNAs that are potential targets for miRNA with altered expression level is regulated in the expected direction. The functional characterization of miRNAs and their potential mRNA targets indicate that miRNA can participate in several molecular events that occur in epileptic tissue, including immune response and neuronal plasticity. This is the first report on changes in the expression of miRNA and the potential functional impact of these changes in the dentate gyrus of epileptic animals. Complex changes in the expression of miRNAs suggest an important role for miRNA in the molecular mechanisms of epilepsy.

Morphological changes among hippocampal dentate granule cells exposed to early kindling-epileptogenesis

Temporal lobe epilepsy is associated with changes in the morphology of hippocampal dentate granule cells. These changes are evident in numerous models that are associated with substantial neuron loss and spontaneous recurrent seizures. By contrast, previous studies have shown that in the kindling model, it is possible to administer a limited number of stimulations sufficient to produce a lifelong enhanced sensitivity to stimulus evoked seizures without associated spontaneous seizures and minimal neuronal loss. Here we examined whether stimulation of the amygdala sufficient to evoke five convulsive seizures (class IV or greater on Racine's scale) produce morphological changes similar to those observed in models of epilepsy associated with substantial cell loss. The morphology of GFP-expressing granule cells from Thy-1 GFP mice was examined either 1 day or 1 month after the last evoked seizure. Interestingly, significant reductions in dendritic spine density were evident 1 day after the last seizure, the magnitude of which had diminished by 1 month. Further, there was an increase in the thickness of the granule cell layer 1 day after the last evoked seizure, which was absent a month later. We also observed an increase in the area of the proximal axon, which again returned to control levels a month later. No differences in the number of basal dendrites were detected at either time point. These findings demonstrate that the early stages of kindling epileptogenesis produce transient changes in the granule cell body layer thickness, molecular layer spine density, and axon proximal area, but do not produce striking rearrangements of granule cell structure.

The pathology of magnetic-resonance-imaging-negative epilepsy

Patients with magnetic-resonance-imaging (MRI)-negative (or 'nonlesional') pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy are the most challenging group undergoing presurgical evaluation. Few large-scale studies have systematically reviewed the pathological substrates underlying MRI-negative epilepsies. In the current study, histopathological specimens were retrospectively reviewed from MRI-negative epilepsy patients (n=95, mean age=30 years, 50% female subjects). Focal cortical dysplasia cases were classified according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and Palmini et al classifications. The most common pathologies found in this MRI-negative cohort included: focal cortical dysplasia (n=43, 45%), gliosis (n=21, 22%), hamartia+gliosis (n=12, 13%), and hippocampal sclerosis (n=9, 9%). The majority of focal cortical dysplasia were ILAE type I (n=37) or Palmini type I (n=39). Seven patients had no identifiable pathological abnormalities. The existence of positive pathology was not significantly associated with age or temporal/extratemporal resection. Follow-up data post surgery was available in 90 patients; 63 (70%) and 57 (63%) attained seizure freedom at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The finding of positive pathology was significantly associated with seizure-free outcome at 6 months (P=0.035), but not at 12 months. In subgroup analysis, the focal cortical dysplasia group was not significantly correlated with seizure-free outcome, as compared with the negative-pathology groups at either 6 or 12 months. Of note, the finding of hippocampal sclerosis had a significant positive correlation with seizure-free outcome when compared with the negative-pathology group (P=0.009 and 0.004 for 6- and 12-month outcome, respectively). Absence of a significant histopathology in the resected surgical specimen did not preclude seizure freedom. In conclusion, our study highlights the heterogeneity of epileptic pathologies in MRI-negative epilepsies, with focal cortical dysplasia being the most common finding. The existence of positive pathology in surgical specimen may be a good indication for short-term good seizure outcome. There is a small subset of cases in which no pathological abnormalities are identified.

Piperine exerts anti-seizure effects via the TRPV1 receptor in mice

The mechanisms involved in the anti-seizure property of piperine (1-[5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-oxo-2,4-pentadienyl]-(E,E)-piperidine, C17H19NO3) are still unclear. Piperine could activate transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1) receptor, and the rapid activation of whole-cell currents is antagonized by the competitive TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine. Interestingly, recent studies have reported that TRPV1 may be a novel anti-epileptogenic target which led us to hypothesize that the anti-seizure property of piperine involves the TRPV1 receptor. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effect of piperine on seizures induced in mice and identified the receptors involved in the suppression of seizure caused by maximal electroshock (MES) and pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) models. Piperine, administered at doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg, significantly delayed the onset of myoclonic jerks and generalized clonic seizures, and decreased the seizure stage and mortality compared with the vehicle-treated animals. Piperine also significantly reduced the incidence of MES-induced tonic hindlimb extension (THE) and PTZ-induced Fos immunoreactivity in the dentate gyrus. The anti-seizure effects of piperine were blocked by a TRPV1-selective antagonist capsazepine. Taken together, these data support the further investigation of piperine as a TRPV1 agonist for anti-seizure therapy.

Intervention effects of ganoderma lucidum spores on epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons and expression of neurotrophin-4 and N-cadherin

Epilepsy can cause cerebral transient dysfunctions. Ganoderma lucidum spores (GLS), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has shown some antiepileptic effects in our previous studies. This was the first study of the effects of GLS on cultured primary hippocampal neurons, treated with Mg²⁺ free medium. This in vitro model of epileptiform discharge hippocampal neurons allowed us to investigate the anti-epileptic effects and mechanism of GLS activity. Primary hippocampal neurons from <1 day old rats were cultured and their morphologies observed under fluorescence microscope. Neurons were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining of neuron specific enolase (NSE). Sterile method for GLS generation was investigated and serial dilutions of GLS were used to test the maximum non-toxic concentration of GLS on hippocampal neurons. The optimized concentration of GLS of 0.122 mg/ml was identified and used for subsequent analysis. Using the in vitro model, hippocampal neurons were divided into 4 groups for subsequent treatment i) control, ii) model (incubated with Mg²⁺ free medium for 3 hours), iii) GLS group I (incubated with Mg²⁺ free medium containing GLS for 3 hours and replaced with normal medium and incubated for 6 hours) and iv) GLS group II (neurons incubated with Mg²⁺ free medium for 3 hours then replaced with a normal medium containing GLS for 6 hours). Neurotrophin-4 and N-Cadherin protein expression were detected using Western blot. The results showed that the number of normal hippocampal neurons increased and the morphologies of hippocampal neurons were well preserved after GLS treatment. Furthermore, the expression of neurotrophin-4 was significantly increased while the expression of N-Cadherin was decreased in the GLS treated group compared with the model group. This data indicates that GLS may protect hippocampal neurons by promoting neurotrophin-4 expression and inhibiting N-Cadherin expression.

Increased expression of TRPV1 in the cortex and hippocampus from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy

Transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) is a ligand-gated nonselective cation channel that has been well characterized in peripheral pain pathway. Recent evidence from animal models of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) has supported the important role of TRPV1 in epileptogenesis. In this study, we investigated the expression and cellular distribution of TRPV1 in the temporal cortex (CTX) and hippocampus (HPC) from 26 patients with mesial TLE (MTLE) compared with 12 histologically normal samples. Reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting revealed up-regulated mRNA and protein levels of TRPV1 in the MTLE group versus the control group. Immunohistochemistry data demonstrated that TRPV1 was mainly distributed in the cell bodies and dendrites of neurons. Double-labeled immunofluorescence further revealed that TRPV1 was localized on NeuN-positive neurons and GFAP-positive astrocytes, but not on HLA-positive microglia. In addition, its co-localization with glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) indicated that TRPV1 was distributed on both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Moreover, nerve growth factor, a sensitizing factor for TRPV1, was showed a higher expression pattern in MTLE patients. Taken together, our findings suggest that the overexpression and distribution patterns of TRPV1 might be involved in the pathogenesis and epileptogenesis of human MTLE.

Up-regulated methyl CpG binding protein-2 in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy patients and a rat model

Methyl CpG binding protein-2 (MeCP2) is a multifunctional nuclear protein, and regulates dendritic morphology, synaptic transmission, spontaneous neurotransmission, and short-term synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. This study was designed to investigate the expression of MeCP2 mRNA and protein in intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) patients and an experimental animal model. MeCP2 expression was detected in 35 temporal neocortex tissue samples from patients with intractable TLE and 14 histologically normal temporal lobe tissue samples from trauma patients without epilepsy by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry and double-label immunofluorescence. In addition, the timing of MeCP2 expression was evaluated in the hippocampus and adjacent cortex of lithium chloride/pilocarpine-induced TLE rats and uninduced controls. MeCP2 was found to be expressed mainly in the nuclei of neurons, and not expressed in astrocytes. MeCP2 expression was significantly higher in the TLE patients and rats than in the control groups. Following seizures in the rat model, MeCP2 expression gradually increased in the hippocampus and adjacent cortex during the acute period (days 1 and 2) and the latent period (days 7 and 14), but decreased during the chronic period (days 30 and 60). Up-regulated expression of MeCP2 in intractable TLE patients and experimental animals suggested that MeCP2 may be involved in the pathogenesis of TLE.

Abnormal expression of stathmin 1 in brain tissue of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy and a rat model

Microtubule dynamics have been shown to contribute to neurite outgrowth, branching, and guidance. Stathmin 1 is a potent microtubule-destabilizing factor that is involved in the regulation of microtubule dynamics and plays an essential role in neurite elongation and synaptic plasticity. Here, we investigate the expression of stathmin 1 in the brain tissues of patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and experimental animals using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting. We obtained 32 temporal neocortex tissue samples from patients with intractable TLE and 12 histologically normal temporal lobe tissues as controls. In addition, 48 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups, including one control group and five groups with epilepsy induced by lithium chloride-pilocarpine. Hippocampal and temporal lobe tissues were obtained from control and epileptic rats on Days 1, 7, 14, 30, and 60 after kindling. Stathmin 1 was mainly expressed in the neuronal membrane and cytoplasm in the human controls, and its expression levels were significantly higher in patients with intractable TLE. Moreover, stathmin 1 was also expressed in the neurons of both the control and the experimental rats. Stathmin 1 expression was decreased in the experimental animals from 1 to 14 days postseizure and then significantly increased at Days 30 and 60 compared with the control group. Many protruding neuronal processes were observed in the TLE patients and in the chronic stage epileptic rats. These data suggest that stathmin 1 may participate in the abnormal network reorganization of synapses and contribute to the pathogenesis of TLE.

Remodeling of synapses in the CA1 area of the hippocampus after transient global ischemia

Synapses are essential to neuronal functions. Synaptic changes occur under physiological and pathological conditions. Here we report the remodeling of synapses in the CA1 area of the hippocampus after transient global ischemia using electron microscopy. Much electron-dense material appeared in the cytoplasm of dendrites at 24h after ischemia. Many dark axons or terminals were found in the CA1 neuropil; some of which were phagocytized by dendrites. Interestingly autophagosomes appeared in many axons or dendrites at 48 h after ischemia. In addition, postsynaptic density (PSD) - like structures or synaptic - like structures were found inside spines and dendrites. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the thickness of PSDs in the CA1 neuropil increased from 12 to 48 h after ischemia. The frequency of autophagosomes appeared to escalate from 12 to 48 h after ischemia. The frequency of asymmetric synapses was significantly increased at 12h and 24h after ischemia in stratum oriens, proximal and distal stratum radiatum. Among asymmetric synapses, the number of perforated synapses consistently increased and reached a peak (approximately 10-fold increase) at 48 h after ischemia. On the other hand, the number of multiple synaptic boutons decreased after ischemia reaching a two to fourfold decrease at 48 h after ischemia. These results have shown that ischemia induces an increase of asymmetric synapses as well as synaptic autophagy, which may contribute to the neuronal death in the CA1 area after transient global ischemia.

Involvement of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 channels in the pro-convulsant effect of anandamide in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures

Anandamide, an endogenous agonist of CB(1) receptors, also activates TRPV1 but at a higher concentration. Studies demonstrate the anticonvulsant activity of anandamide via CB(1) receptors, while its action through TRPV1 is still ambiguous. Thus, the present study investigated the influence of anandamide on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mice pretreated with TRPV1 or CB(1) receptor antagonists. Acute intracerebroventricular administration of low doses of anandamide (10, 20, or 40μg/mouse) produced anticonvulsant effect, while the pro-convulsant effect was evident at high doses (80 or 100μg/mouse). Interestingly, AM251 (2μg/mouse), a CB(1) antagonist pretreatment blocked the anticonvulsant effect, but augmented the pro-convulsant effect. Conversely, in the presence of inactive dose of capsazepine (1μg/mouse), a TRPV1 antagonist, anandamide exhibited significant anticonvulsant effect even at high doses with no change in its anticonvulsant effect. Moreover, mice treated with capsaicin, a TRPV1 agonist (10, or 100μg/mouse) exhibited pro-convulsant activity that was blocked by capsazepine pretreatment. However, capsazepine, per se at doses 10 or 100μg/mouse exhibited anticonvulsant effect. Like anandamide, the agents (AM404 and URB597), which increase its synaptic concentrations produced similar biphasic effects. Thus, these results indicate that anandamide exhibits both pro- and anticonvulsant activities by activating TRPV1 and CB(1) receptor respectively.

Differential aberrant sprouting in temporal lobe epilepsy with psychiatric co-morbidities

Psychiatric co-morbidities in epilepsy are common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Pathological alterations in TLE are well characterised; however, neuropathologic data are relatively scale regarding the association between psychiatric diseases and epilepsy. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical data of 46 adult TLE patients with and without psychiatric co-morbidities and to correlate the data with hippocampal neuronal density and mossy fiber sprouting. Accordingly, patients were grouped as follows: TLE patients without history of psychiatric disorder (TLE, n=16), TLE patients with interictal psychosis (TLE+P, n=14), and TLE patients with major depression (TLE+D, n=16). Hippocampi from autopsies served as non-epileptic controls (n=10). TLE+P exhibited significantly diminished mossy fiber sprouting and decreased neuronal density in the entorhinal cortex when compared with TLE. TLE+P showed significantly poorer results in verbal memory tasks. TLE+D exhibited significantly increased mossy fiber sprouting length when compared with TLE and TLE+P. Further, a higher proportion of TLE+D and TLE+P presented secondarily generalised seizures than did TLE. Our results indicate that TLE patients with psychiatric disorders have distinct features when compared with TLE patients without psychiatric co-morbidities and that these changes may be involved in either the manifestation or the maintenance of psychiatric co-morbidities in epilepsy.

Wnt7a signaling promotes dendritic spine growth and synaptic strength through Ca²⁺/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II

The balance between excitatory and inhibitory synapses is crucial for normal brain function. Wnt proteins stimulate synapse formation by increasing synaptic assembly. However, it is unclear whether Wnt signaling differentially regulates the formation of excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Here, we demonstrate that Wnt7a preferentially stimulates excitatory synapse formation and function. In hippocampal neurons, Wnt7a increases the number of excitatory synapses, whereas inhibitory synapses are unaffected. Wnt7a or postsynaptic expression of Dishevelled-1 (Dvl1), a core Wnt signaling component, increases the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs), but not miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Wnt7a increases the density and maturity of dendritic spines, whereas Wnt7a-Dvl1-deficient mice exhibit defects in spine morphogenesis and mossy fiber-CA3 synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. Using a postsynaptic reporter for Ca(2+)/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity, we demonstrate that Wnt7a rapidly activates CaMKII in spines. Importantly, CaMKII inhibition abolishes the effects of Wnt7a on spine growth and excitatory synaptic strength. These data indicate that Wnt7a signaling is critical to regulate spine growth and synaptic strength through the local activation of CaMKII at dendritic spines. Therefore, aberrant Wnt7a signaling may contribute to neurological disorders in which excitatory signaling is disrupted.

Epileptogenic insult alters endogenous adenosine control on long-term changes in synaptic strength by theta pattern stimulation in hippocampus area CA1

The impact of theta patterning of the stimulation on the kindling effects of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) was studied in rat hippocampus area CA1 in vitro. A potential involvement of adenosine A1 receptors was also examined. Primed-bursts stimulation (PBs) and theta pulse stimulation (TPS) were used as patterned activities. Stimulus patterns were applied to the Schaffer collateral afferents of hippocampal slices from both control and PTZ-kindled rats, the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSP) and population spikes (PS) were simultaneously recorded from stratum radiatum and stratum pyramidale, respectively. Experiments were carried out in the presence or absence of the adenosine A1 receptor antagonist CPX. The following changes in kindled vs. control slices were observed. PBs was unable to produce both fEPSP LTP and PS LTP in untreated slices. When A1 receptor antagonist CPX was applied before PBs, both fEPSP LTP and PS LTP were elicited. PS LTP was selectively depressed by TPS (applied at 60 min after LTP induction) exclusively when A1 receptors were blocked, while TPS failed to depress PS LTP in untreated PBs-exposed slices. These findings suggest that seizing entails lasting changes in hippocampus area CA1 so that LTP induction by PBs is masked due to intensive adenosine release which in turn prevents TPS to induce PS LTD in epileptic CA1 network.