Selective hippocampal cell loss and altered neurotransmitter receptor expression have been proposed as pathogenic mechanisms in the development of chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Studies in animal models point to metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) as modulators of hippocampal epileptogenesis. In addition, mGluRs may constitute specific targets for the development of novel an...

INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is very frequent in Rett syndrome (RTT) patients and often difficult to treat. Because most cases of RTT are caused by mutations in the MECP2 gene it is reasonable to assume that convulsions are based on common pathogenetic mechanisms and thus should have a similar response to antiepileptic drugs. PURPOSE To find the optimal treatment for epilepsy in RTT. METHODS We pe...

SIB 1893, a non-competitive antagonist of group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5, administered at the doses ranging between 0.5-2 mg/kg markedly lowered the electroconvulsive threshold, whereas if applied at the higher dose of 40 mg/kg, it significantly raised the threshold for electroconvulsions in mice, exhibiting both pro- and anticonvulsive properties in this test.

Background: Euphorbia pulcherrima belongs to the family: Euphorbiaceae and Genus: Euphorbia. Many species of Euphorbia have been reported as having beneficial properties like anticonvulsive effect. However, little study has been done and published on Euphorbia pulcherrima (Lalupate). In the present study we evaluated the anticonvulsant properties of Euphorbia pulcherrima by using various convul...

Antihistamines (AH) have been classified into first and second generation according to their pharmacokinetic properties, structural characteristics and adverse effects. The effects on the central nervous system (CNS) are determined basically by their capacity to cross the hematoencephalic barrier and attach to central H1 receptors. Benzodiazepines (BZD) are drugs with effects on the CNS followi...

A novel class of drugs - potassium (K(+)) channel openers or activators - has recently been shown to cause anticonvulsive and neuroprotective effects by activating hyperpolarizing K(+) currents, and therefore, may show efficacy for treating tinnitus. This study presents measurements of the modulatory effects of four K(+) channel openers on the spontaneous activity and action potential waveforms...

OBJECTIVE Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) is a rare but life-threatening disease of the skin and mucous membranes. We report our experience in the treatment of pediatric TEN patients with early debridement of necrotic skin and coverage with human allograft skin. METHODS From 1984 to 2000, 15 children (6 girls, 9 boys, 7.2 +/- 1.5 years) with a histologic diagnosis of TEN and involvement of >...

Javier Soto Alvarez, MD, C/ Calderón de la Barca No. 10, 8° dcha, E-39002 Santander (Spain) Dear Sir, Ciclosporin (CsA) is an immunosuppressive drug currently used in the prevention of the rejection of human allogenic transplants as well as in the treatment of several autoimmune diseases. CsA is metabolized in the liver by means of a P-450 cytochrome isoenzyme. Pharmacokinetic interactions resu...

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