Blood-brain barrier dysfunction, seizures and epilepsy

E A van Vliet; E Aronica; J A Gorter

doi:10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.10.003

Blood-brain barrier dysfunction, seizures and epilepsy

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2015 Feb:38:26-34. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.10.003. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

Authors

E A van Vliet¹, E Aronica², J A Gorter³

Affiliations

¹ Academic Medical Center, Department (Neuro)Pathology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: e.a.vanvliet@uva.nl.
² Academic Medical Center, Department (Neuro)Pathology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
³ Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

PMID: 25444846
DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.10.003

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and complex system which separates the brain from the blood. It helps to maintain the homeostasis of the brain, which is essential for normal neuronal functioning. BBB function is impaired in several neurological diseases, including epilepsy in which it may lead to abnormal and excessive neuronal firing. In this review we will discuss how BBB dysfunction can affect neuronal function and how this can lead to seizures and epilepsy. We will also summarize new therapies that aim to preserve or restore BBB function in order to prevent or reduce epileptogenesis.

Keywords: Albumin; Blood–brain barrier; Epileptogenesis; Temporal lobe epilepsy; Traumatic brain injury.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Blood-Brain Barrier / physiology
Blood-Brain Barrier / physiopathology*
Epilepsy / drug therapy
Epilepsy / physiopathology*
Humans
Seizures / drug therapy
Seizures / physiopathology*