The Role of Brain Inflammation in Epileptogenesis in TSC
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common, disabling problem in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and is usually intractable to available treatments. This Exploration-Hypothesis Development Award investigates the hypothesis that inflammation contributes to epileptogenesis in an animal model of TSC and that anti-inflammatory drugs may represent rational, effective therapies for epilepsy in TSC. In the first grant year, we have identified a series of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, such as interferon IL1-beta and CXCL10, based on polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, which are elevated in a mouse model of TSC. Furthermore, these inflammatory markers could be reversed by the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, rapamycin. These findings suggest that these inflammatory mediators could be involved in epileptogenesis in the mouse model and support the testing of anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit these mediators as potential treatments for epilepsy in the mice.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA609186
Entities
People
- Bo Zhang
- Michael Wong
- Nicholas Rensing
Organizations
- Washington University in St. Louis