Journal
GLIA
Volume 60, Issue 8, Pages 1203-1214Publisher
WILEY
DOI: 10.1002/glia.22317
Keywords
epilepsy; potassium; seizure; transport; water
Categories
Funding
- Letten Foundation
- Research Council of Norway
- Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award [K08 NS059674]
- American Epilepsy Society/Milken Family Foundation
- Epilepsy Foundation of America
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Recent studies have implicated glial cells in modulation of synaptic transmission, so it is plausible that glial cells may have a functional role in the hyperexcitability characteristic of epilepsy. Indeed, alterations in distinct astrocyte membrane channels, receptors, and transporters have all been associated with the epileptic state. This review focuses on the potential roles of the glial water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4) in modulation of brain excitability and in epilepsy. We will review studies of mice lacking AQP4 (Aqp4-/- mice) or a-syntrophin (an AQP4 anchoring protein) and discuss the available human studies demonstrating alterations of AQP4 in human epilepsy tissue specimens. We will conclude with new studies of AQP4 regulation and discuss the potential role of AQP4 in the development of epilepsy (epileptogenesis). While many questions remain unanswered, the available data indicate that AQP4 and its molecular partners may represent important new therapeutic targets. (c) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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