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:
- Hardcover Book
- Engel Jr., Jerome (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 3998 Pages - 11/25/2023 (Publication Date) - LWW (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- MURPHY (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 288 Pages - 09/26/2001 (Publication Date) - McGraw Hill (Publisher)
- In Case of Emergency Medical Card has writable ribbon so you can write your personal information and emergency contact, card size is 86x54 mm same as credit card.
- SAFETY BREAKAWAY LANYARD: Lanyard with Safety Breakaway clip is 20 mm wide and 45 cm long, Lanyard is made from fabric.
- EASY TO WRITE: You can use indelible pen to write on the card, please let the card dry for a little bit after writing on it
- ID CARD HOLDER FOR LANYARD: ID card holder Outer size is 80x100mm (3.15x3.94 inches) and Inner size is 60x95 mm( 2.36x 3.74 inches), Horizontal clear double sided id card holder allows both sides of your ID to be read. Id card has waterproof property.
- Show your support for epilepsy awareness with "Brave and Beautiful", a mixed purple shade adorned with purple ribbons.
- Crème finish.
- Each set includes 16 double-ended nail strips.
- Easy peel and apply with no dry time. Just apply and go!
- 100% Real Nail Polish Strips made in the U.S.A.
- Ettag, Azdo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 110 Pages - 11/08/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- FEATURES: This epilepsy awareness sweatshirt featuring creative "purple brain flower" graphic adds a unique and humorous touch, making it an ideal choice for those who wish to spread awareness with a smile.
- SOFT FABRICS: This epilepsy warrior sweatshirt make of high quality fabric, the material is super soft, skin friendly and very comfortable to wear.The crewneck fit ensures a relaxed and cozy feel, making it an ideal pullover top for those cold days.
- OCCASION: This ribbon purple epilepsy awareness sweatshirt is not just a piece of clothing; it's a way to educate others about epilepsy.Perfect as gifts for friends and family, promotes understanding and support for those affected by epilepsy.
- PACKGE INCLUDED: Place your order now and you will receive a epilepsy awareness sweatshirt with special and funny graphic.This women epilepsy awareness sweatshirt support hand wash and machine wash.
- TIPS: Please confirm the size before ordering. As different computers and phone display colors differently, the color of some clothes may be slightly different from the picture, thank you.
- Landazuri, Patrick (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 04/13/2023 (Publication Date) - Cambridge University Press (Publisher)
- Ruben Kuzniecky MD (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 402 Pages - 11/30/2020 (Publication Date) - Medicus Press (Publisher)
- Devinsky MD, Orrin (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 320 Pages - 12/02/2015 (Publication Date) - Demos Health (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Wilner MD FACP FAAN, Andrew N. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 250 Pages - 01/16/2008 (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.