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Full-Text Articles in Neurosciences

Pediatric Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus Treated With Allopregnanolone, Eileen Broomall, Joanne Natale, Michele Grimason, Joshua Goldstein, Craig Smith, Celia Chang, Stephen Kanes, Michael Rogawski, Mark Wainwright Dec 2013

Pediatric Super-Refractory Status Epilepticus Treated With Allopregnanolone, Eileen Broomall, Joanne Natale, Michele Grimason, Joshua Goldstein, Craig Smith, Celia Chang, Stephen Kanes, Michael Rogawski, Mark Wainwright

Michael A. Rogawski

Super-refractory status epilepticus is a life-threatening condition. Resistance to benzodiazepine and barbiturate treatment for this disorder is thought to be due to internalization of synaptic GABA-A receptors, and withdrawal of benzodiazepines and barbiturates during treatment often triggers seizure recurrence. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone acts as a positive allosteric modulator of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABA-A receptors. Here we describe the use of allopregnanolone in two pediatric patients with super-refractory status epilepticus. This treatment allowed the general anesthetic infusions to be weaned with resolution of status epilepticus. This is the first report of allopregnanolone use to treat status epilepticus in children.


Proconvulsant Actions Of Intrahippocampal Botulinum Neurotoxin B In The Rat, Sonja Bröer, Dorota Zolkowska, Manuela Gernert, Michael A. Rogawski Nov 2013

Proconvulsant Actions Of Intrahippocampal Botulinum Neurotoxin B In The Rat, Sonja Bröer, Dorota Zolkowska, Manuela Gernert, Michael A. Rogawski

Michael A. Rogawski

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) may affect the excitability of brain circuits by inhibiting neurotransmitter release at central synapses. There is evidence that local delivery of BoNT serotypes A and E, which target synaptosomal-associated protein 25, a component of the release machinery specific to excitatory synapses, can inhibit seizure generation. BoNT serotype B (BoNT/B) targets VAMP2, which is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory terminals. Here we assessed the effects of unilateral intrahippocampal infusion of BoNT/B in the rat on intravenous pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizure thresholds, and on the expression of spontaneous behavioral and electrographic seizures. Infusion of BoNT/B (500 and 1000 Unit) …


Long-Lasting Attenuation Of Amygdala-Kindled Seizures After Convection-Enhanced Delivery Of Botulinum Neurotoxins A And B Into The Amygdala In Rats, Maciej Gasior, Rebecca Tang, Michael A. Rogawski Aug 2013

Long-Lasting Attenuation Of Amygdala-Kindled Seizures After Convection-Enhanced Delivery Of Botulinum Neurotoxins A And B Into The Amygdala In Rats, Maciej Gasior, Rebecca Tang, Michael A. Rogawski

Michael A. Rogawski

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) are well recognized to cause potent, selective and long-lasting neuroparalytic actions by blocking cholinergic neurotransmission to muscles and glands. There is evidence that BoNT isoforms can also inhibit neurotransmission in the brain. Here we examined whether locally delivered BoNT/A and BoNT/B can attenuate kindling measures in amygdala-kindled rats. Male rats were implanted with a combination infusion cannula-stimulating electrode assembly into the right basolateral amygdala. Fully-kindled animals received a single infusion of vehicle or BoNT/A or BoNT/B at doses of 1, 3.2, or 10 ng over a 20-min period by convection enhanced delivery (CED). Electrographic (EEG) and behavioral …