Unlocking the Brain: Scientists Discover Seizure Trigger in Monkeys and Explore New Treatment Options
Researchers have been exploring a specific area in the brain known as the piriform cortex, which plays a role in triggering seizures. This area was identified as a key seizure trigger spot in rats back in the 1980s, but scientists were curious whether a similar region exists in primates, such as macaque monkeys. In a recent study, they set out to pinpoint this potential seizure trigger zone and to see if they could block the seizures by targeting another part of the brain called the substantia nigra pars reticulata (SNpr).
To carry out their investigation, the researchers injected a substance that induces seizures directly into the piriform cortex of the monkeys. They found a specific area that was particularly sensitive to this substance, located just behind where the frontal and temporal lobes meet. This discovery suggests that primates also have a functional equivalent to the “area tempestas” found in rodents, highlighting a shared trait in how different brains can trigger seizures.
In addition to mapping out the sensitive region, the study involved using different drugs to understand the brain’s chemistry better. They discovered that a particular type of neurotransmitter receptor (the AMPA receptor) was necessary for these seizures to manifest, while another receptor type (the NMDA receptor) didn’t seem to play a role in this case. This finding offers insights into the specific pathways that could be targeted for treating or preventing seizures.
Lastly, when the researchers inhibited the SNpr with a calming substance, they noted a significant reduction in the seizures triggered from the piriform cortex. This result is exciting because it suggests a potential new avenue for developing anti-seizure therapies in humans based on the mechanisms observed in primates. By drawing connections between rodent studies and findings in primates, the researchers are paving the way for more effective treatments in the future. Overall, their work emphasizes the importance of understanding these brain regions in both animals and humans to improve clinical outcomes for people suffering from seizures.