title: The role of glial cells in epilepsy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Brain research in the last century was mainly directed at neurons, with the role of glia assumed to be limited to repair, supplying nutrients and above all acting as a packing material between neurons. In recent years, the importance of glial cells for normal brain function has been recognised. This article summarizes knowledge of glial cells of relevance to epilepsy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The article is based on a literature search in PubMed as well as the authors' clinical and research experience.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Astrocytes are the largest subgroup of glial cells and, in common with neurons, have diverse membrane transporters, ion channels and receptors. Among the most important roles of astrocytes are the uptake and redistribution of ions and water, glucose metabolism and communication with nerve cells. Disturbances in all of these functions have been associated with epilepsy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Epilepsy has previously been regarded as exclusively a disturbance in the functioning of neurons and especially of their contact points, the synapses. The mechanisms of action of today's anti-epileptic drugs are therefore primarily directed at neuronal channels and receptors. New knowledge of the role played by glial cells could increase our understanding of how epilepsy arises and could lead to new treatment strategies.
authors.forename: Kjell
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Heuser
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Szokol
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Taubøll
mesh_terms: D051401:Aquaporin 4 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D020013:Calcium Signaling / Q000502:physiology; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017629:Gap Junctions / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D018698:Glutamic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology; D000098854:Kcnj10 Channel
chemical_list: D051401:Aquaporin 4; D000098854:Kcnj10 Channel; D024661:Potassium Channels, Inwardly Rectifying; D018698:Glutamic Acid