Epileptic fits are like raging thunderstorms: Astrocytes help reduce long-term damage, surprising new research shows
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 - 11:04
in Biology & Nature
Epileptic fits are like thunderstorms raging in the brain: Nerve cells excite each other in an uncontrolled way so that strong, rhythmic electrical discharges sweep over whole brain regions. In the wake of such a seizure, the nerve cells are severely affected, and permanent damage is possible. The glia, a class of cells that surround the neurons in the brain, was long suspected to contribute to the damaging effects of epilepsy. Quite the opposite is the case, researchers show for the first time.