A new strategy for epilepsy therapy and Kampo: Focusing on preventing brain edema in basic research

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 26460139
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Natural medicines
• Research Institution: Tokushima Bunri University
• Principal Investigator: Itoh Kouichi 徳島文理大学, 薬学部, 教授 (30291149)
• Project Period (FY): 2014-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 漢方薬 / てんかん / 脳浮腫 / BBB / 脳内炎症 / 予防

Outline of Final Research Achievements

In the present study, we determined that treatment with Kampo Gorei-san (GRS) after status epilepticus (SE) termination by diazepam might prevent the neurotoxicity induced by brain edema events via blood-brain barrier (BBB), and the possible molecular and cellular mechanisms of GRS treatment. To assess the effect of GRS against the brain alterations after SE, we focused on BBB dysfunction associated with angiogenesis and brain inflammation. The consecutive treatment of GRS inhibited the temporarily increased BBB leakage in the hippocampus two days after SE. These findings suggested that these brain alterations by SE-induced BBB failure were prevented by GRS treatment. Furthermore, in the acute phase of the latent period, these upregulations of pro-inflammatory-related molecules were inhibited by GRS treatment. These findings suggest that GRS is likely involved in neuroprotection via anti-inflammatory activities against BBB dysfunction in the acute phase of epileptogenesis after SE.

Free Research Field

薬物治療学