Disulfiram Prevents Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption in Epileptic Mice by Inhibiting Astrocyte Pyroptosis to Improve Seizure Activity.

ABSTRACT: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder whose pathogenesis is closely associated with blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Emerging evidence suggests that astrocytic pyroptosis may play a pivotal role in BBB impairment. Based on this, we propose two central hypotheses: (1) seizure activity triggers astrocytic pyroptosis and exacerbates BBB damage; (2) pharmacological inhibition of pyroptosis can restore BBB integrity and alleviate epileptic symptoms. This study established a kainic acid-induced mouse model of epilepsy and an in vitro BBB model. Cell pyroptosis was induced using LPS and ATP. The expression of BBB and pyroptosis-related proteins was assessed through Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and RT-PCR. Additionally, a pyroptosis inhibitor, disulfiram (DSF), was used to in

SUBMITTER: Zhang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12611994 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature