Neurosteroid Influences on Neuronal Excitability Chapter uri icon

abstract

  • This chapter highlights the role of steroid hormones and neurosteroids in catamenial epilepsy. Catamenial epilepsy is the cyclical occurrence of seizure exacerbations during particular phases of the menstrual cycle in women with epilepsy. The molecular mechanisms underlying catamenial seizures are largely unknown. Ovarian cycle-related fluctuations in steroid hormones, especially progesterone-derived GABA-A receptor-modulating anticonvulsant neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone and allotetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC), play a significant role in the pathophysiology of catamenial epilepsy. These neurosteroids enhances synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA-A receptor-mediated inhibition. We have investigated the possibility that plasticity of GABA-A receptor subunits could play a role in catamenial epilepsy. We have shown that neurosteroids confer greater seizure protection in animal models of catamenial epilepsy, which is consistent with the efficacy of progesterone in women with perimenstrual catamenial epilepsy. Synthetic neurosteroid analogs or TSPO ligands with favorable profile may show promise in the treatment of catamenial epilepsy. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

author list (cited authors)

  • Reddy, D. S.

citation count

  • 1

complete list of authors

  • Reddy, Doodipala Samba

Book Title

  • Epilepsy in Women

publication date

  • March 2013

publisher