Adenosinergic system as an endogenous anticonvulsant mechanism.

ABSTRACT

The treatment of epilepsies remains far from adequate primarily due to inadequate understanding of the pathophysiology of seizures. The conventional approach for research into epilepsy has been study of factors responsible for initiation of seizures. However, now attention is being drawn to the spontaneous and abrupt arrest of seizures which suggests a distinct possibility of activation of an endogenous anticonvulsant mechanism(s), which may be targeted in future for controlling seizures. Of the various endogenous anticonvulsant mechanisms, the concept of an endogenous anticonvulsant substance has gained much experimental support and, many potential candidates have been postulated. Of these adenosinergic system appears to be the most promising. This review discusses the possible role of adenosinergic system in seizures, in relation to the available antiepileptic drugs and its therapeutic implications.