Does brain inflammation mediate pathological outcomes in epilepsy?

ABSTRACT: Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with epilepsy and is characterized by the increased levels of a complex set of soluble molecules and their receptors in epileptogenic foci with profound neuromodulatory effects. These molecules activate receptor-mediated pathways in glia and neurons that contribute to hyperexcitability in neural networks that underlie seizure generation. As a consequence, exciting new opportunities now exist for novel therapies targeting the various components of the immune system and the associated inflammatory mediators, especially the IL-1β system. This review summarizes recent findings that increased our understanding of the role of inflammation in reducing seizure threshold, contributing to seizure generation, and participating in epilepto

SUBMITTER: Wilcox KS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4867105 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature