The presence of autoantibodies in the brain may trigger seizures for some people with epilepsy, according to a new study recently published in the scientific journal, Annals of Neurology.
Autoantibodies are antibodies that mistakenly target a person’s own tissues or organs – unlike “normal” antibodies which target something foreign which may have entered the body.
There are a number of associated reasons why people could develop epilepsy – for example, as a result of a brain injury. Another reason a person may develop epilepsy is because different areas of the person’s brain are susceptible to inflammation; however the reasons behind this inflammation has not been clear.
Researchers based at the University of Bonn in Germany believe this inflammation could be due to the presence of autoantibodies in the brain.
This particular study looked at autoantibodies impact in the part of the brain known as the hippocampus – which controls memory and emotions.
In the experiments which formed the basis of their research, the team at the University of Bonn extracted spinal fluid from people with epilepsy whose epilepsy originated from inflammation of the hippocampus.
This spinal fluid contained autoantibodies and when this was added to cell cultures extracted from the brain, it was observed that electrical pulses were generated rapidly in the cells. This reaction would be similar to how a seizure would present in a human brain.
This research has generated important new knowledge in understanding why parts of the brain may become inflamed, causing seizures. The identification of the role of the autoantibody could also lead to future treatments in epilepsy. However, it is important to note that the researchers themselves have acknowledged that it will be some time before any treatment is developed to counteract the autoantibody.
As always, Epilepsy Ireland will continue to monitor emerging worldwide research on the condition and update our website and social media channels with details of same.
Further reading on this study, visit the medical journal website, Online Wiley Library.