Glia-Derived Steroids Modulate Epileptogenesis in a Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

    January 2009 in “ IRIS UNIMORE (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia) ”
    Daniela Longo, Enrica Baldelli, Giuliano Bertazzoni, Massimo Avoli, Giuseppe Biagini
    TLDR Neurosteroids from glia cells help control seizure development in epilepsy.
    The study investigated the role of glia-derived neurosteroids in modulating epileptogenesis in a model of temporal lobe epilepsy using rats. It was found that the enzyme P450 scc, which is involved in neurosteroid synthesis, was upregulated in the CA3 hippocampal region following status epilepticus. This upregulation was linked to the onset of spontaneous recurrent seizures in adult rats. In young rats, higher levels of P450 scc and a longer latent period before seizures were observed. Treatment with the 5a-reductase inhibitor finasteride, which suppresses neurosteroid synthesis, led to earlier onset of seizures in both adult and young rats. These findings suggested that neurosteroids could modulate the development of epilepsy in this model.
    Discuss this study in the Community →