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

Publication

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

Journal Paper/Review - Jan 27, 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

Citation

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.

Type

Journal Paper/Review (English)

Journal

Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162

Publication Date

Jan 27, 2011

Issn Electronic

1476-5381

Pages

491-507

Brief description/objective

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.