Send comments and feedback

Previously thought to be mere connective tissue and support for neurons, astrocytes are now understood to have many functions in the nervous system that are linked with seizures and epilepsy. Dr. Cecilie Nome spoke with Dr. Peter Bedner about astrocytes' involvement in epilepsy and how identifying and resolving astrocyte dysfunction is a new frontier in drug development.

Relevant articles:
de Ceglia R., et al. 2023. Specialized astrocytes mediate glutamatergic gliotransmission in the CNS. Nature 622, 120–129.

Grote A., et al. 2023. ‘Hippocampal innate inflammatory gliosis only’ in pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain 146(2), 549-560.

Ravi V.M., et al. 2015. Astrocyte uncoupling as a cause of human temporal lobe epilepsy. 2015. Brain 138(5), 1208-1222.

Sharp Waves episodes are meant for informational purposes only, and not as clinical or medical advice.

Let us know how we're doing: [email protected].

The International League Against Epilepsy is the world's preeminent association of health professionals and scientists, working toward a world where no person's life is limited by epilepsy. Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.