Neuropeptides and Neurotransmitters Involved in Generalized Epilepsy: How Can the Antiepileptic Effect be Improved?

Abstract

Here, we describe the alterations of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides that act on specific subreceptors in the \rbrain areas involved in generalized epilepsy. A neurotransmitter imbalance between GABAergic and serotonergic \rneurons with hypoactivity and glutaminergic and dopaminergic neurons with hyperactivity is described. Considering \rthe alterations in neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, neural networks in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, \rthalamus and cortex are described. The mechanisms of action of some recently developed antiepileptic drugs are \raddressed. In sum, a multimodal antiepileptic pharmacotherapy acting at several specific subreceptors is suggested. \rWe recommend the development of an antiepileptic drug, that exerts simultaneously a GABAA agonistic and an \rNMDA antagonistic effect.