A combined astrocyte – G-lymphatic model of epilepsy initiation, maintenance and termination

Although epilepsy afflicts numerous people worldwide, its dynamics are still controversial. Especially seizure termination is relatively unidentified. Here we suggest a coherent explanation to all stages of epilepsy, its genesis, seizure initiation and termination. We present biophysical features th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical hypotheses 2019-12, Vol.133, p.109384-109384, Article 109384
Main Authors: Rabinovitch, Avinoam, Aviramd, Ira, Biton, Yaacov, Braunstein, Doron
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Epilepsy stages
G-lymphatic system
Ictal termination by brain’s waste disposal
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Summary:Although epilepsy afflicts numerous people worldwide, its dynamics are still controversial. Especially seizure termination is relatively unidentified. Here we suggest a coherent explanation to all stages of epilepsy, its genesis, seizure initiation and termination. We present biophysical features that could account for the phenomenon: all phases of epilepsy can be related to the brain’s “waste disposal” systems. Although problems in the astrocytic system have already been suggested as a major player in this malfunction, the termination phase is not really understood. Here it is assumed to arise from a G-lymphatic clearance system. Our biophysical mechanism provides a coherent explanation of the phenomenon, offers support for the previously published mathematical model, and can shed light on the conflicting results encountered in norepinephrine measurements in epilepsy treatment.
ISSN:0306-9877
1532-2777
DOI:10.1016/j.mehy.2019.109384