The h-channel: a potential channelopathy in epilepsy?
Ion channelopathy is a proven cause of inherited human epilepsy, and may play a role in acquired epileptic syndromes as well. Of the many ion channel causes of epilepsy, the h-channel is a potential new addition. H-channels are voltage-gated ion channels with unique biophysical properties. The h-channel exerts a significant modulatory influence on neuronal excitability, and is a target of antiepileptic drugs. Further, its activity is influenced by seizures, raising the question of whether it may play a role in epileptogenesis as well. This review summarizes the evidence for the contribution of h-channels to seizures and epilepsy, and outlines hypotheses concerning the existence of an "h-channelopathy" in human epilepsy.
Poolos
Nicholas P
NP
Department of Neurology and Regional Epilepsy Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. npoolos@u-washington.edu
D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D015640:Ion Channel Gating / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007473:Ion Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D007473:Ion Channels