Cytokines and brain excitability.
Cytokines are molecules secreted by peripheral immune cells, microglia, astrocytes and neurons in the central nervous system. Peripheral or central inflammation is characterized by an upregulation of cytokines and their receptors in the brain. Emerging evidence indicates that pro-inflammatory cytokines modulate brain excitability. Findings from both the clinical literature and from in vivo and in vitro laboratory studies suggest that cytokines can increase seizure susceptibility and may be involved in epileptogenesis. Cellular mechanisms that underlie these effects include upregulation of excitatory glutamatergic transmission and downregulation of inhibitory GABAergic transmission.
Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Health Sciences Centre, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 4N1.
Michael A
MA
Galic
Kiarash
K
Riazi
Quentin J
QJ
Pittman
D017109:Akathisia, Drug-Induced; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology*; D012640:Seizures / Q000276:immunology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000187:drug effects*; D015854:Up-Regulation; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D005680:gamma-Aminobutyric Acid