Developmental seizure susceptibility of kv1.1 potassium channel knockout mice

Rho, JM; Szot, P; Tempel, BL; Schwartzkroin, PA

HERO ID

5381716

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

1999

Language

English

PMID

10575255

HERO ID 5381716
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 1999
Title Developmental seizure susceptibility of kv1.1 potassium channel knockout mice
Authors Rho, JM; Szot, P; Tempel, BL; Schwartzkroin, PA
Journal Developmental Neuroscience
Volume 21
Issue 3-5
Page Numbers 320-327
Abstract Potassium channels play a critical role in limiting neuronal excitability. Mutations in certain voltage-gated potassium channels have been associated with hyperexcitable phenotypes in both humans and animals. However, only recently have mutations in potassium channel genes (i.e. KCNQ2 and KCNQ3) been discovered in a human epilepsy, benign familial neonatal convulsions. Recently, it has been reported that mice lacking the voltage-gated Shaker-like potassium channel Kv1.1 alpha-subunit develop recurrent spontaneous seizures early in postnatal development. The clinical relevance of the Kv1.1 knockout mouse has been underscored by a recent report of epilepsy occurring in a family affected by mutations in the KCNA1 locus (the human homologue of Kv1.1) which typically cause episodic ataxia and myokymia. Here we summarize preliminary studies characterizing the developmental changes in seizure susceptibility and neuronal activation in the three genotypes of Kv1.1 mice (-/-, +/-, +/+). Using behavioral and immediate-early gene indicators of regional brain excitability, we have found that a seizure-sensitive predisposition exists in Kv1.1 -/- animals at a very young age (P10), before either spontaneous seizure activity or changes in c-fos mRNA expression can be demonstrated. Kv1.1 +/- mice, although behaviorally indistinguishable from wild types, also have an increased susceptibility to seizures at a similar early age. The Kv1. 1 knockout mouse possesses many features desirable in a developmental animal epilepsy model and represents a clinically relevant model of early-onset epilepsies.
Doi 10.1159/000017381
Pmid 10575255
Wosid WOS:000084057600018
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword development; epilepsy; Kv1.1 potassium channel; flurothyl; c-fos; neocortex; hippocampus