Endogenous Opioid Peptides and Epilepsy: Quieting the Seizing Brain?
Abstract
The brain opioid system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of seizure disorders and cellular mechanisms of epileptogenesis. while opioid peptides were originally envisioned as endogenous convulsants, a growing body of evidence demonstrates that these neuropeptides are also anticonvulsant. A role for opioid peptides as neuromodulators of postictal seizure arrest and refractories is recognized, and their endogenous activation by seizures is firmly established. Frank Tortella reviews the proconvulsant/anticonvulsant pharmacology of opioid peptides, the evidence for their involvement in postictal mechanisms, and the possible existence in the CNS of an endogenous anticonvulsant substance with opioid peptide-like characteristics. Keywords: Epilepsy; Seizures; Opioid peptides.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA212640
Entities
People
- Frank C. Tortella
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research