Acute inhibition of neurosteroid estrogen synthesis suppresses status epilepticus in an animal model

63Citations
Citations of this article
69Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

Status epilepticus (SE) is a common neurological emergency for which new treatments are needed. In vitro studies suggest a novel approach to controlling seizures in SE: acute inhibition of estrogen synthesis in the brain. Here, we show in rats that systemic administration of an aromatase (estrogen synthase) inhibitor after seizure onset strongly suppresses both electrographic and behavioral seizures induced by kainic acid (KA). We found that KA-induced SE stimulates synthesis of estradiol (E2) in the hippocampus, a brain region commonly involved in seizures and where E2 is known to acutely promote neural activity. Hippocampal E2 levels were higher in rats experiencing more severe seizures. Consistent with a seizure-promoting effect of hippocampal estrogen synthesis, intra-hippocampal aromatase inhibition also suppressed seizures. These results reveal neurosteroid estrogen synthesis as a previously unknown factor in the escalation of seizures and suggest that acute administration of aromatase inhibitors may be an effective treatment for SE.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Sato, S. M., & Woolley, C. S. (2016). Acute inhibition of neurosteroid estrogen synthesis suppresses status epilepticus in an animal model. ELife, 5(APRIL2016). https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.12917

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free