Purpose: We analyzed 26 surgically treated patients operated on for intractable epilepsy associated with type IA (architectural) cortical dysplasia, to investigate neuropathologic and immunocytochemical features, particularly of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic system, and to compare the findings with those observed in normal cortex.

Methods: Routinely stained slides and serial sections immunostained for neurofilaments (SMI 311), microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), parvalbumin (PV), calbindin (CB), and calretinin (CR) were processed. Some sections were processed by using single-immunoperoxidase procedures; others were processed for double immunofluorescence labelling and observed by confocal microscopy. The density of inhibitory PV-immunoreactive interneurons was quantitatively assessed in all patients and control cases by using a two-dimensional cell-counting technique on PV immunostained sections.

Results: The density of PV-immunoreactive interneurons was significantly reduced in this group of patients, whereas CB- and CR- positivity appeared similar to those in normal cortex. In five cases, architectural abnormalities, in addition to those that defined type 1A dysplasia, were present and characterized by abnormal clusters of neurons and laminar cellular loss in superficial cortical laminate.

Conclusions: The reduction of PV expression in type IA cortical dysplasia suggests an impairment of the GABAergic system as a possible mechanism for the epileptogenicity; in addition, PV immunoreactivity can be helpful in the neuropathologic characterization of this form of cortical dysplasia.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1528-1167.2006.00577.xDOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

cortical dysplasia
16
gabaergic system
8
pv-immunoreactive interneurons
8
cortical
5
dysplasia
5
architectural type
4
type focal
4
focal cortical
4
dysplasia parvalbumin
4
parvalbumin immunostaining
4

Similar Publications

Craniometaphyseal dysplasia (CMD), a rare craniotubular disorder, occurs in an autosomal dominant (AD) or autosomal recessive (AR) form. CMD is characterized by hyperostosis of craniofacial bones and metaphyseal flaring of long bones. Many patients with CMD suffer from neurological symptoms.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This case report presents a late preterm infant diagnosed with severe cerebellar hypoplasia and microcephaly secondary to congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. Initially suspected to have Dandy-Walker malformation, postnatal MRI revealed significant cerebellar hypoplasia, without other typical cCMV findings. The diagnosis was confirmed by the presence of CMV in serum and urine.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Once believed to be the culprits of epileptogenic activity, the functional properties of balloon/giant cells (BC/GC), commonly found in some malformations of cortical development including focal cortical dysplasia type IIb (FCDIIb) and tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), are beginning to be unraveled. These abnormal cells emerge during early brain development as a result of a hyperactive mTOR pathway and may express both neuronal and glial markers. A paradigm shift occurred when our group demonstrated that BC/GC in pediatric cases of FCDIIb and TSC are unable to generate action potentials and lack synaptic inputs.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rationale: Microcephaly, epilepsy, and developmental delay (MCSZ) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations in the polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase (PNKP) gene. Prompt identification and management are essential, as delayed diagnosis or intervention may result in severe complications or mortality. In this case, prenatal screening in the second trimester detected fetal microcephaly with a gradual decline in head circumference, prompting the decision to terminate the pregnancy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Status epilepticus (SE) is a neurological emergency characterized by prolonged seizures, with significant risks of neuronal injury and mortality. This case presents a 60-year-old man with drug-resistant epilepsy and a history of recurrent prolonged seizures. His seizures began in early childhood and persisted despite multiple anti-seizure medications.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!