The inhibitory neural circuitry as target of antiepileptic drugs.
Impairments and defects in the inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS can contribute to various seizure disorders, i.e., gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glycine as the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain play a crucial role in some forms of epilepsy. Recent advances in deciphering the molecular basis of the GABAergic and glycinergic systems has been achieved by means of cloning techniques and gene targeting strategies in animals, contributing to the understanding of drug action. As well, several anticonvulsive substances emerged which target key molecules of the inhibitory systems. Employment of recombinant expression systems, including, but not restricted to the inhibitory circuitry, will further facilitate drug screening and rational approaches to design novel specific antiepileptic drugs, which act highly efficiently to prevent or reduce generation and spread of seizures.
Böhme
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I
Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Research Group, University of Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Str. 8, Mainz, 55131, Germany. iboehme@mail.uni-mainz.de
Lüddens
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H
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D018756:GABA Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D027361:Organic Anion Transporters; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018080:Receptors, GABA-B / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D018756:GABA Antagonists; D050485:GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D027361:Organic Anion Transporters; D011963:Receptors, GABA-A; D018080:Receptors, GABA-B; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid