Press Release:
During epileptic seizures, a large number of nerve cells in the brain fire excessively and in synchrony. This hyperactivity may lead to uncontrolled shaking of the body and involve periods of loss of consciousness. While about two thirds of patients respond to anti-epileptic medication, the remainder is refractory to medical treatment and shows drug-resistance. These patients are in urgent need for new therapeutic strategies.
Together with colleagues in Japan, Prof. Dr. Christine Rose and her doctoral student Jan Meyer from the Institute of Neurobiology at HHU have performed a study to address the cellular mechanisms that promote the development of epilepsy. While up to now, most studies and anti-epileptic drugs targeted nerve cells (neurons), this research team focused on a class of glial cells known as astrocytes.
Glial cells account for approximately half of all cells in the brain. There are different types of glial cells, which perform different functions. Astrocytes control the local environment and are responsible for the ion balance in the brain, but also play an important role in signal transmission between neurons.
In their recent paper, the researchers show that epileptic discharges lead to a rise in the pH of astrocytes, that is in their intracellular ‘alkalisation’. The change in pH disrupts the communication within the intercellular astrocyte networks. This reduced communication between astrocytes appears to exacerbate epileptic activity of neurons.
This finding points towards a potential new target for suppressing epileptogenesis at a very early stage, namely by using drugs to suppress changes in astrocytic pH accompanying neuronal activity.
The researchers were able to confirm this option by showing that animals which were given such drugs suffered less severely from epileptic hyperexcitability than untreated animals.
Prof. Rose said: “This observation is very intriguing. But it still needs to be established whether or not it can be transferred to humans. And it will take a very long time before any potential drug can be developed and be really used in the clinics.”
###
The research was carried out as a collaboration between the HHU and three universities in Japan (Keio University and Tokyo Medical and Dental University in Tokyo, Tohoku University in Sendai) as part of the “Young Glia” programme of the DFG-Priority Programme SPP 1757 “Functional Specialisations of Neuroglia” coordinated by Prof. Rose. This programme promotes collaboration between German and Japanese laboratories. In particular, it encourages and assists young scientists in realising their own bi-national research projects. For example, the HHU doctoral student Jan Meyer travelled to Japan, while Mariko Onodera from Tohoku University spent two periods working at the Institute of Neurobiology in Düsseldorf.
Original publication
Mariko Onodera, Jan Meyer, Kota Furukawa, Yuichi Hiraoka, Tomomi Aida, Kohichi Tanaka, Kenji F. Tanaka, Christine R. Rose, and Ko Matsui, Exacerbation of epilepsy by astrocyte alkalization and gap junction uncoupling, Journal of Neuroscience, 2021
Advertisement:
- English (Publication Language)
- 324 Pages - 12/20/2021 (Publication Date) - Springer (Publisher)
- PURPLE RIBBON LANYARD – Display your support with this versatile awareness lanyard. This lanyard is perfect for fundraisers and charitable events looking to spread awareness.
- BREAKAWAY SAFETY-RELEASE – This quality lanyard includes a safety release allowing the lanyard to break apart with a firm tug.
- MULTIPURPOSE KEY and ID HOLDER – Use this lanyard to hold an ID badge at school, keep your keys close at hand, or for holding a single room key or card hidden.
- WOVEN FABRIC – Each 21” long keychain lanyard is made with a high-quality, stain-resistant woven polyester that’s tough, durable, and offers rich, deep color.
- 100% RISK-FREE PURCHASE: We make our customers our top priority which is why we only use the highest quality materials along with stylish designs that are both fashion-forward and fun to provide you with a cute lanyard that everyone will love! We want you to know that your purchase is risk-free which is why we offer a 100% Customer Satisfaction Warranty so that you can order today with confidence.
- MEDICAL BRACELET SIZE:Width 0.45 Inches ,Bracelet total length 7.5 Inches,FIT FOR THE WRIST SIZE OF 6.5-7.4 Inches;Material: 316L Stainless Steel&AAA Quality Microfiber Leather,Never Rust,Sturdy and Durable,High Quality.
- PEOPLE WITH THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS SHOULD WEAR A MEDICAL ID JEWELRY:Alzheimer's,Autism/Special Needs Children,Blood Disorders,Blood Thinners,Diabetes,Dementia,Drug Allergies (i.e. Penicillin, morphine, sulfa),Emphysema/Breathing Disorders,Epilepsy/Seizures,Food Allergies,Hearing,vision, or mentally impaired,Heart Disease,Insect Allergies,Kidney Disease,Pulmonary Conditions,Sickle Cell Anemia,Surgery, transplant,cancer patients...
- We offer engraving service,please click"Customize Now"select engraving font and fill in your engrave information then "add to cart",we will get your engrave info from your order,if you want change the engrave info after finish the payment,please contact us with your correct engrave info immediately,we will do our best to help you.
- WE RECOMMEND YOU ENGRAVE:Medications that you are taking or are allergic to;Allergies: Including, but not limited to Drug, Food, & Insect allergies;ICE: (In case of emergency phone number) This allows a family member or friend to be contacted in case you are in an emergency;Your name, this helps first responders communicate with you in case of an emergency
- Come with a Medical ID Cards,Front and back availability for medical and emergency contact information,Carry in Your Wallet. In an emergency,when you might be unable to speak for yourself,a medical ID necklace speaks for you.
- Amazon Kindle Edition
- Devinsky MD, Orrin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 411 Pages - 12/21/2007 (Publication Date) - Demos Health (Publisher)
- Demos Medical Publishing
- Devinsky MD, Orrin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 12/02/2015 (Publication Date) - Demos Health (Publisher)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- (c) Information Television Network (Director)
- (Playback Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- EPILEPSY AND SEIZURE FORMULA for dogs and cats works as a calmative to help lessen the effects of nervous conditions.
- ENHANCED with Valerian Root which is an anti convulsant & antispasmodic herb that has been used for centuries specifically for Epilepsy.
- ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS such as Passion Flower & Blue Vervain help lessen the effects of nervous conditions while acting as a natural tranquilizer, calming over excited nerves.
- SAFE AND EFFECTIVE - Our products are produced with materials that are eco-friendly and help preserve natural resources. Safe for your pet and safe for the environment.
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – At Doc Ackerman’s, we are committed to the health of your pet and the preservation of a green Earth. Our botanical enriched products are the best solution in pet care available, 100% guaranteed or your money back!
- Black laser Engraving"EPILEPSY" on the front right side, very easy to read!
- Stainless steel Brushed square plate, Scratch resistant, suitable for all-weather use, nickel-free and lead-free
- 1/2" width latex-free PVC Adjustable band.Wear comfortable, Fits wrist sizes from 5 to 6 1/2 inches, Easy adjustment.
- Blister packaging, a Parents great gift to Son, daughter, brother, sister
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Hardcover Book
- Wyllie MD, Elaine (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 1096 Pages - 05/13/2020 (Publication Date) - LWW (Publisher)
- Kossoff MD, Eric (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 400 Pages - 12/16/2020 (Publication Date) - Demos Health (Publisher)
I get commissions for purchases made through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.