How concussions can lead to epilepsy



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How concussions can lead to epilepsy

3D reconstructed confocal image representing the cortical gray matter of a mouse after repeated mild and diffuse traumatic brain injury (rdTBI). We demonstrate a novel subtype of atypical reactive astrocytes characterized by a downregulation of homeostatic proteins: the glutamate transporter 1 (blue) and the S100β (green). It is interesting to note that atypical astrocytes do not undergo cell death after rdTBI, but instead have increased expression of the tdTomato fluorescent protein (red). In our model, mice develop spontaneous seizures and badociate post-traumatic epileptogenesis with atypical astrocytes. Credit: Oleksii Shandra

The researchers identified a cellular response to repeated concussions that could contribute to epileptic seizures in mice, such as those observed after traumatic brain injury in humans. The study, published in JNeurosci, establishes a new animal model that could help us better understand post-traumatic epilepsy.

Stefanie Robel, Oleksii Shandra and her colleagues caused mild traumatic brain lesions in mice that mimicked head injuries resulting in human concussions. A unique population of astrocytes responded to these injuries and the researchers observed recurrent spontaneous seizures in some mice in less than a month.

These results highlight the role of astrocytes in the development of epilepsy after the most common type of traumatic brain injury in humans.




Video of the two-photon z-projection showing the loss of GFP (green) by cortical astrocytes 24 hours after diffuse traumatic brain injury in a living mouse. Credit: Oleksii Shandra



Video with a 3D reconstructed confocal image of reactive astrogliosis in the cortex of a mouse after diffuse traumatic brain injury. GFP – green; GFAP – red; Dapi – blue. Credit: Alexys Harrington


Cellular study reveals how head injuries lead to serious brain diseases


More information:
Traumatic, mild, diffuse, repetitive brain injury causing an atypical astrocytic response and spontaneous recurrent convulsions JNeurosci (2019). DOI: 10.1523 / JNEUROSCI.1067-18.2018

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