The h-channel: a potential channelopathy in epilepsy?

Epilepsy Behav. 2005 Aug;7(1):51-6. doi: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2005.04.007.

Abstract

Ion channelopathy is a proven cause of inherited human epilepsy, and may play a role in acquired epileptic syndromes as well. Of the many ion channel causes of epilepsy, the h-channel is a potential new addition. H-channels are voltage-gated ion channels with unique biophysical properties. The h-channel exerts a significant modulatory influence on neuronal excitability, and is a target of antiepileptic drugs. Further, its activity is influenced by seizures, raising the question of whether it may play a role in epileptogenesis as well. This review summarizes the evidence for the contribution of h-channels to seizures and epilepsy, and outlines hypotheses concerning the existence of an "h-channelopathy" in human epilepsy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Ion Channel Gating / drug effects
  • Ion Channel Gating / physiology*
  • Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Ion Channels / classification
  • Ion Channels / drug effects
  • Ion Channels / genetics
  • Ion Channels / physiology*
  • Models, Biological

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Ion Channels