Interictal spikes on the EEG are strongly correlated with a propensity for seizures, but we don't understand why. In this application, we will test the hypothesis that interictal spikes occur as a consequence of monophasic spread of excitation through the epileptic network, while seizures are initiated when excitation spreads via unique, circular paths of excitation. These circular paths engender repeated, reentrant activation of the neural network. To use a cardiac analogy, reentrant activation of the epileptic network arises instead of a spike in the same manner that reentrant cardiac tachyarrhythmias arise instead of a QRS complex. This hypothesis has three testable components 1) there are multiple paths by which excitation may spread from a stochastic site of spike onset to the rest of the epileptic network. 2) Which path is followed depends on interactions between the onset site and changes in network circuitry induced by dysgenesis, injury, and transient local refractoriness 3) Some of these excitation pathways are closed loops, engendering re-entrant waves of excitation that underlie the local rhythmic activity recorded at the start of focal-onset seizures. We will test these hypotheses using in vivo and in vitro electrical and optical recordings of the spread of excitation in neural networks, as well as computer modeling. This project will provide insights into several pressing problems. First, we will better understand how focal seizures start, which may improve our ability to detect and abort them. Second, we may solve the puzzle of the relationship between spikes and seizures. Third, we will be able to study the effect of anticonvulsants on reentrant activity, which may represent the earliest phase of a seizure;this would comprise a new and potentially more informative screen for drug efficacy. Fourth, in analogy to management of cardiac arrhythmias, this research provides the foundation for abortive stimulation or very focal ablation of the specific neural pathways that initiate seizures, making possible less invasive treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy.

Public Health Relevance

One of the most disabling aspects of epilepsy is the unpredictable nature of seizures. This research will help us understand how epileptic seizures start, so that we will be able to predict and abort them. We will also understand how seizures are related to the activity observed on EEGs obtained between seizures. We predict that seizures start by activation of very specific neuronal pathways that can be ablated by surgery;such surgery should be as minimally invasive as the treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by cardiac catheterization. This would enable treatment of seizures arising in areas of the brain subserving language, movement and vision.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01NS034700-18S1
Application #
8101650
Study Section
Clinical Neuroplasticity and Neurotransmitters Study Section (CNNT)
Program Officer
Fureman, Brandy E
Project Start
1995-09-30
Project End
2012-02-28
Budget Start
2010-03-01
Budget End
2011-02-28
Support Year
18
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$88,500
Indirect Cost
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
Lillis, K P; Staley, K J (2018) Optogenetic dissection of ictogenesis: in search of a targeted anti-epileptic therapy. J Neural Eng 15:041001
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Song, Yu; Pimentel, Corrin; Walters, Katherine et al. (2016) Neuroprotective levels of IGF-1 exacerbate epileptogenesis after brain injury. Sci Rep 6:32095
Lillis, Kyle P; Wang, Zemin; Mail, Michelle et al. (2015) Evolution of Network Synchronization during Early Epileptogenesis Parallels Synaptic Circuit Alterations. J Neurosci 35:9920-34
Park, Kyung-Il; Dzhala, Volodymyr; Saponjian, Yero et al. (2015) What Elements of the Inflammatory System Are Necessary for Epileptogenesis In Vitro? eNeuro 2:
Shapiro, Kevin A; McGuone, Declan; Deshpande, Vikram et al. (2015) Failure to detect human papillomavirus in focal cortical dysplasia type IIb. Ann Neurol 78:63-7
Staley, Kevin (2015) Molecular mechanisms of epilepsy. Nat Neurosci 18:367-72
Lillis, Kyle P; Dulla, Chris; Maheshwari, Atul et al. (2015) WONOEP appraisal: molecular and cellular imaging in epilepsy. Epilepsia 56:505-13
Berdichevsky, Yevgeny; Dryer, Alexandra M; Saponjian, Yero et al. (2013) PI3K-Akt signaling activates mTOR-mediated epileptogenesis in organotypic hippocampal culture model of post-traumatic epilepsy. J Neurosci 33:9056-67
Dzhala, Volodymyr; Valeeva, Guzel; Glykys, Joseph et al. (2012) Traumatic alterations in GABA signaling disrupt hippocampal network activity in the developing brain. J Neurosci 32:4017-31

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