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. 2011 Nov 30:8:168.
doi: 10.1186/1742-2094-8-168.

Neuro-inflammation, blood-brain barrier, seizures and autism

Theoharis C Theoharides  1 , Bodi Zhang
Affiliations

Neuro-inflammation, blood-brain barrier, seizures and autism

Theoharis C Theoharides et al. J Neuroinflammation. .

Abstract

Many children with Autism Spectrum Diseases (ASD) present with seizure activity, but the pathogenesis is not understood. Recent evidence indicates that neuro-inflammation could contribute to seizures. We hypothesize that brain mast cell activation due to allergic, environmental and/or stress triggers could lead to focal disruption of the blood-brain barrier and neuro-inflammation, thus contributing to the development of seizures. Treating neuro-inflammation may be useful when anti-seizure medications are ineffective.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Mast cells are located perivascularly close to nerve endings and regulate blood-brain barrier permeability. Upon stimulation by allergic and non-immune triggers (e.g, CRH, neurotensin, mercury, mitochondrial (mt) DNA), mast cells release vasodilatory and inflammatory molecules (IL-6, mtDNA, TNF and VEGF), some of which increase the expression of vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecules (VCAMs) and permit exit of circulating lymphocytes in the brain. Focal brain inflammation could then contribute to or exacerbate seizures.
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