Involvement of the neuronal phosphotyrosine signal adaptor N-Shc in kainic acid-induced epileptiform activity.

BDNF-TrkB signaling is implicated in experimental seizures and epilepsy. However, the downstream signaling involved in the epileptiform activity caused by TrkB receptor activation is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to determine whether TrkB-mediated N-Shc signal transduction was involved in kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptiform activity.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and epilepsy.

Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are dietary fatty acids that are involved in a myriad of physiologic processes in the brain. There is some evidence suggesting that PUFAs-and particularly omega-3 PUFAs-may have anticonvulsant effects, both in humans and in animals. In the present review, we assess the evidence related to the antiseizure properties of the n-3 PUFAs, discuss their possible mechanism(s) of action, and make recommendations for future clinical trials.

Anticonvulsant actions of deoxycorticosterone.

Purpose: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) suppresses several types of childhood seizures, but it has many side effects. The mechanism of ACTH's anticonvulsant actions is not known. ACTH, however, releases deoxycorticosterone (DOC) - as well as cortisol - from the adrenal cortex and it has been suggested that DOC may mediate, at least in part, ACTH's anticonvulsant actions.

The anticonvulsant effects of allopregnanolone against amygdala-kindled seizures in female rats.

It has long been known that the steroid hormone progesterone has anticonvulsant actions. These have been documented both in animals and humans. In 2003, we reported that progesterone's first metabolite, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone (5alpha-DHP), has strong anticonvulsant effects in amygdala-kindled female rats.

The anticonvulsant effects of progesterone and its metabolites on amygdala-kindled seizures in male rats.

Progesterone is a neurosteroid that modulates neuronal excitability. The anticonvulsant effects of progesterone are largely mediated by the actions of its metabolites. The purpose of this study was to measure the anticonvulsant effects of progesterone, 5alpha-dihydroprogesterone, and allopregnanolone against amygdala-kindled seizures in male rats.

Deoxycorticosterone's anticonvulsant effects in infant rats are blocked by finasteride, but not by indomethacin.

Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) is a steroid hormone that suppresses seizures in both humans and animals. At higher doses, DOC's anticonvulsant actions are accompanied by sedation and ataxia. The mechanism of DOC's anticonvulsant actions is not known, although it has been suggested that they may relate to DOC's secondary metabolite 3-alpha-5-alpha-tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC).