title: Modulatory role of adenosine and its receptors in epilepsy: possible therapeutic approaches.
abstract: Adenosine is considered to be the brain's endogenous anticonvulsant as many studies have showed and it is responsible for seizure arrest and postictal refractoriness. Alterations in the adenosinergic system (adenosine and its receptors) have been referred by many previous studies indicating that deficiencies or modifications in the function of this purinergic system may contribute to epileptogenesis. Due to this emerging implication of adenosine in the managing of seizures, a new field of adenosine-based therapies has been introduced including adenosine itself, adenosine receptor agonists and antagonists and adenosine kinase inhibitors. The method with the least side effects (heart rate, blood pressure, temperature or even sedation) is being quested including intracerebral implantation of adenosine releasing cells or devices.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Physiology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University Campus, Alexandroupolis, Greece. opagonop@med.duth.gr
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Pagonopoulou
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Efthimiadou
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Asimakopoulos
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Nikolettos
mesh_terms: D000241:Adenosine / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000378:metabolism; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D018047:Receptors, Purinergic P1; D000241:Adenosine