Immunological aspects of epilepsy.
Epileptogenic activity can be provoked in animals by topical application on the cerebral cortex of antiserum to brain tissue. Several patients with epilepsy have an immunoglobulin A (IgA) deficiency, which may be caused by antiepileptic drugs (drug-induced) or may apparently be associated with the epileptic condition (drug-independent). Deficiency of secretory IgA may pre-dispose the patients for recurrent upper respiratory infections. Some antiepileptic drugs may also reduce the number of circulating T-lymphocytes.
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D017098:IgA Deficiency; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / Q000032:analysis; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D012640:Seizures / Q000276:immunology
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007071:Immunoglobulin A, Secretory