CRISI GENERALIZZATE CONVULSIVE E CRISI PARZIALI: LE BASI CELLULARI PER LO SVILUPPO DI NUOVI FARMACI

Recent data show that, while the enhancement of both Glu/Asp-mediated excitation and GABA-mediated inhibition underlies absence attacks, the breakdown of GABAergic inhibition is prerequisite of convulsive and partial seizures. The subsequent activation of NMDA receptors with massive Ca²⁺ entry into the neurons produces longlasting plastic changes, reinforcing the epileptogenic condition that becomes more and more resistant to therapy as seizures keep recurring. Thus, the rational development of new AEDs against convulsive and partial seizures should be based on: I. prevention of GABAergic breakdown by enhancement of GABA-mediated inhibition; II. impairment of excitatory transmission by decrease of Glu/Asp release or NMDA receptor antagonism; III. Ca²⁺ antagonists.