Using computational models, UC Riverside neuroscience researchers Maxim Bazhenov and Giri Krishnan discovered precisely how neurons function during epileptic seizures. With this information, they were able to determine what chemicals could impede the neuron’s misfiring, which could lead to breakthrough discoveries in new antiepileptic drugs.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by seizures. They are caused by abnormal, excessive or hypersynchronous neuronal activity in the brain, usually when there is an abnormal flow of ions to and from neurons through ion “channels.” Usually, there is a small amount of sodium ions inside the cells, and a high concentration of potassium ions outside the cells. However, during a seizure the two chemicals reverse, and sodium becomes highly concentrated within the cell and potassium does the opposite.
Dr. Maxim Bazhenov
Image courtesy of biocluster.ucr.edu.
Maxim Bazhenov, an associate professor of cell biology and neuroscience, and Giri Krishnan, a postdoctoral researcher in his lab used realistic computer simulations of seizures and determined that the influx of sodium is what terminates the seizure.
Most modern antiepileptic medication targets sodium channels to reduce their activity. With Bazhenov and Giri’s discovery, it is now apparent that this can actually prolong the seizures.
"These drugs essentially slow down the intracellular build-up of sodium, but this only prolongs seizure duration," Bazhenov said. "This is because seizure duration is affected by the rate of intracellular sodium accumulation – the slower this rate, the longer the seizure duration."
"The drugs ought to be targeting other ion channels, such as those responsible for the buildup of intracellular chloride," he advises. "According to our model, restricting the chloride increase would lead to a faster termination of seizure and can even make seizures impossible."
If you are a Riverside California researcher looking for new research equipment, or a research supplier that is interested in networking with researchers and supplying new science programs at UC Riverside, plan on attending Biotechnology Calendar, Inc.'s BioResearch Product Faire™ in Riverside on August 24th of this year. For more information about our upcoming vendor show click the button below.