Abstract
Dynorphin neuropeptides are believed to act as endogenous anticonvulsants, though direct evidence for such a role in humans is sparse. We now report pronounced increases of prodynorphin mRNA expression in the dentate gyrus of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy in comparison to controls. We detected a conspicuously right skewed, bimodal distribution of mRNA levels among patients, suggestive of a dynamic up-regulation of prodynorphin expression in epilepsy. Highest transcript levels were seen postictally. Our data argue for an essential role of dynorphin in the termination of seizures.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Aged
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Aged, 80 and over
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Carbon Isotopes
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Dentate Gyrus / metabolism*
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Dentate Gyrus / physiopathology
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Diprenorphine
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Enkephalins / genetics*
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Enkephalins / metabolism*
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / genetics
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / pathology*
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Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / physiopathology
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Female
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Genotype
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Polymorphism, Genetic
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Postmortem Changes
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Protein Precursors / genetics*
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Protein Precursors / metabolism*
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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Up-Regulation / physiology*
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Young Adult
Substances
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Carbon Isotopes
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Enkephalins
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Protein Precursors
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RNA, Messenger
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Diprenorphine
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preproenkephalin