A study in the temperature-sensitive system of the brain by the analysis of pathophysiology of febrile seizure

2021 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K06956
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 46030:Function of nervous system-related
• Research Institution: Yamaguchi University
• Principal Investigator: NOMURA Sadahiro 山口大学, 大学院医学系研究科, 准教授 (20343296)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 森山 博史 山口大学, 医学部附属病院, 助教 (40816633)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
• Keywords: febrile seizure / TRP channel / brain temperature / knockout mouse

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We hypothesized that a transient receptor potential (TRP), the temperature sensor channel, inhibited febrile seizure. Changes in brain temperature and seizure threshold against warming in wild type and TRPM8 knockout (KO) mice were compared. Wild type mice maintained better than TRPM8KO mice in rectal and brain temperature and seizure threshold. A TRPM8 channel agonist effectively inhibited high frequency oscillation immediately before febrile seizure.
In addition to the effect in the hypothermic zone, TRP channels was found to control brain function in hyperthermia. It may be one of the mechanism of febrile seizure, and could suggest treatment option.

Free Research Field

脳神経外科

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

低温～平熱域に加え、平熱～高温域でもTRPチャネルが脳機能を調節している可能性が示唆された。
熱性けいれんの機序の一部が解明され、治療薬開発の可能性が現れた。