Epileptogenesis

J Korean Neurol Assoc > Volume 20(2); 2002 > Article

Journal of the Korean Neurological Association 2002;20(2): 101-109.

경련의 발생기전

김재문 ,

충남대학교병원 의과대학 신경과학교실

Epileptogenesis

Jae-Moon Kim

"Department of Neurology, Chungnam National University Hospital, Brain Research Institute, Chungnam National University"

Abstract

"Epilepsy is a disease characterized by paroxysmal, hypersynchronous, and excessive electrical discharges . Despite long and extensive research on epileptogenesis, clear explanation of the basic mechanisms of epilepsy has yet to be established. Considering the diverse etiologies of epilepsy and experimental seizure models, a seizure has many mechanisms affecting single neurons and its neural circuits. Epileptic neuron has the ability of spontaneous depolarization and firing. To achieve depolarization, these neurons tend to have increased membrane excitability by interaction of neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels and synapses, but excitable single neuron does not necessarily mean hyperexcitable neural circuit. Synchrony, burst, and neural interactions are required for the spreading of the electrical discharges. Increased membrane excitability is mainly achieved by increased influx of calcium and decreased potassium and chloride transport mechanism. With this membrane excitability, paroxysmal depolarization shift (PDS) needs synaptic excitation represented by giant EPSP. Synaptic function is mainly controlled by neurotransmitters such as GABA and glutamate. The imbalance of these important neurotransmitters has a crucial role in epilepsy. Synaptic reorganization and associated change of neurotransmitter plays an essential role in chronic epileptogenesis key words : Epilepatogenesis, Newrotromsmitter, Ion channel, Synaptic reorganizotion"