The role of ligand-gated ion channels after early-life febrile seizures

Abstract

In this thesis, we aimed at elucidating some mechanisms by which early-life FS may lead to enhanced hippocampal excitability. We focused on the DG structure and investigated if FS-induced expressional and functional alterations of ligandgated ion channels (LGICs) in the DG may contribute to a disturbed DG ‘gate’ function. To this end, we used an appropriate-aged animal model in which FS are evoked in 10-day old rat pups by exposing them to heated air. In this model, FS are associated with long-term hippocampal hyperexcitability resulting in a decreased seizure threshold. 35% of rats with early-life FS develop TLE in adulthood, while 88% show interictal epileptoform EEG abnormalities. ...