Anti-inflammatory effects of the anticonvulsant drug levetiracetam on electrophysiological properties of astroglia are mediated via TGFß1 regulation

Publikation

Anti-inflammatory effects of the anticonvulsant drug levetiracetam on electrophysiological properties of astroglia are mediated via TGFß1 regulation

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review - 27.01.2011

Stienen Martin N., Hinkerohe Daniel, Faustmann Pedro M, Dermietzel Rolf, Chan Andrew, Gold Ralf, Wiemann Martin, Thöne Jan, Dambach Hannes, Haghikia Aiden, Prochnow Nora

Zitation

Stienen M, Hinkerohe D, Faustmann P, Dermietzel R, Chan A, Gold R, Wiemann M, Thöne J, Dambach H, Haghikia A, Prochnow N. Anti-inflammatory effects of the anticonvulsant drug levetiracetam on electrophysiological properties of astroglia are mediated via TGFß1 regulation. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:491-507.

Art

Wissenschaftlicher Artikel/Review (Englisch)

Zeitschrift

Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162

Veröffentlichungsdatum

27.01.2011

eISSN (Online)

1476-5381

Seiten

491-507

Kurzbeschreibung/Zielsetzung

The involvement of astrocytes as immune-competent players in inflammation and the pathogenesis of epilepsy and seizure-induced brain damage has recently been recognized. In clinical trials and practice, levetiracetam (LEV) has proven to be an effective antiepileptic drug (AED) in various forms of epileptic seizures, when applied as mono- or added therapy. Little is known about the mechanism(s) of action of LEV. Evidence so far suggests a mode of action different from that of classical AEDs. We have shown that LEV restored functional gap junction coupling and basic membrane properties in an astrocytic inflammatory model in vitro.