title: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal excitability: possible involvement of CaM kinase II in seizure activity.
abstract: A type II calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaM kinase II) has been characterized in the synaptic region and may mediate some of the effects of Ca2+ on neuronal excitability. The activity of CaM kinase II is inhibited by anticonvulsant compounds and may be the molecular basis of their neuro-modulatory effects. The direct injection of purified CaM kinase II into invertebrate neurons has demonstrated that this kinase can directly alter specific ion conductances and neuronal activity. A long-lasting decrease in CaM kinase II activity is associated with septal kindling, an experimental model of epilepsy and long-term memory. In summary, CaM kinase II appears to be a central mediator of the effects of Ca2+ on neuronal function. Further investigation of this enzyme and its effects on neuronal activity may provide a molecular insight into an endogenous mechanism for modulating some of the effects of Ca2+ on neuronal excitability and may increase our understanding of the complex regulatory mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of seizure discharge and its regulation by anticonvulsant compounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical College of Virginia, VCU, Richmond 23298.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Taft
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Goldenring
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: DeLorenzo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000502:physiology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D011494:Protein Kinases; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases; D002118:Calcium