2006 issue 2

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Volume 22, issue 2

Review article

The role of metabotropic glutamate receptors in the processes of epileptogenesis

Janusz Szyndler1, Piotr Maciejak1,2, Adam Płaźnik1,2
1. Katedra i Zakład Farmakologii Doświadczalnej i Klinicznej Akademii Medycznej w Warszawie
2. Zakład Neurochemii Instytutu Psychiatrii i Neurologii w Warszawie
Farmakoterapia w Psychiatrii i Neurologii, 2006, 2, 93–101
Keywords: epilepsy, glutamate, neurogenesis

Abstract

Epilepsy is a frequent neurological disorder characterized by spontaneous, unpredictable recurrent seizures that affect about 1,5% of worldwide population. Numerous patients do not respond adequately to current antiepileptic drugs. Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) have multiple important actions on neuronal excitability. Their function is especially linked with regulation of glutamatergic and GABA-ergic neurotransmission. Bearing in mind that mGluR take part in modulation excitatory and inhibitory systems activity it is no surprising that this family of receptors could be effective target for treatment of epilepsy. This review summarize latest information on the involvement of mGluRs, neurotrophic factors (BDNF), and processes of neurogenesis in the expression of epileptic seizures as well as in the epileptogenesis.

Address for correspondence:
Janusz Szyndler
Zakład Neurochemii
Instytut Psychiatrii i Neurologii
ul. Sobieskiego 9, 02-957 Warszawa,
tel: 022 45 82 775
e-mail: jszyndler@yahoo.com