
Targeting BDNF/TrkB pathways for preventing or suppressing epilepsy.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and status epilepticus (SE) have both been linked to development of human epilepsy. Although distinct etiologies, current research has suggested the convergence of molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis following these insults. One such mechanism involves the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, tropomyosin related kinase B (TrkB). In this review, we focus on currently available data regarding the pathophysiologic role of BDNF/TrkB signaling in epilepsy development. We specifically examine the axonal injury and SE epilepsy models, two animal models that recapitulate many aspects of TBI- and SE-induced epilepsy in humans respectively. Thereafter, we discuss aspiring strategies for targeting BDNF/TrkB signaling so as to prevent epilepsy following an insult or suppress its expression once developed. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
Duke Scholars
Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Receptor, trkB
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Humans
- Epilepsy
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
- Anticonvulsants
- Animals
- 5202 Biological psychology
Citation

Published In
DOI
EISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Start / End Page
Location
Related Subject Headings
- Receptor, trkB
- Neurology & Neurosurgery
- Membrane Glycoproteins
- Humans
- Epilepsy
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
- Anticonvulsants
- Animals
- 5202 Biological psychology