GAD67/GAD65在颞叶癫痫大鼠海马内源性促痫机制中的作用

目的探讨GAD67/GAD65在颞叶癫痫发生后大鼠海马内源性促痫机制中的作用.方法112只雄性SD大鼠随机分为实验组(n=70)与对照组(n=42),实验组大鼠选用海人酸腹腔注射法建立颞叶癫痫模型,对照组大鼠腹腔注射无菌生理盐水.选取腹腔注射后3 h、6 h、12 h、24 h、48 h、7 d、30 d为研究的时间点,颞叶海马的CA1区、CA3区、齿状回为研究部位.腹腔给药后每天观察大鼠的行为学变化,大鼠处死前进行EEG描记.免疫组织化学法检测GAD65、GAD67蛋白的表达.结果海人酸致痫后6 h,实验组大鼠海马CA1区、CA3区GAD67/GAD65的比率较对照组升高(P＜0.01);海人酸致痫后30 d,实验组大鼠海马齿状回GAD67/GAD65的比率较对照组降低(P＜0.05).结论颞叶癫痫急性期CA1区、CA3区GAD67/GAD65比率的增高及慢性期齿状回GAD67/GAD65比率的降低与颞叶癫痫发生及癫痫发生后机体的内源性抗痫机制密切相关.     

GAD在颞叶癫痫大鼠海马内源性促痫机制中的作用

目的:探讨GAD65、GAD67在颞叶癫痫发生后海马内源性促痫机制中的作用。方法:112只雄性SD大鼠随机分为实验组(n=70)与对照组(n=42),实验组大鼠选用海人酸腹腔注射法建立颞叶癫痫模型,对照组大鼠腹腔注射无菌生理盐水。选取腹腔注射后3小时、6小时、12小时、24小时、48小时、7天、30天为研究的时间点,颞叶海马的CA1区、CA3区、齿状回为研究部位。腹腔给药后每天观察大鼠的行为学变化,大鼠处死前进行EEG描记。用原位杂交方法检测不同时间点海马不同区域GAD65、GAD67mRNA的表达,免疫组织化学法检测GAD65、GAD67蛋白的表达。结果:实验组大鼠海马GAD65 mRNA及其蛋白的表达随时间呈逐渐增高趋势,致痫后48小时～30天,GAD65 mRNA及其蛋白表达较对照组增高(48小时P<0.05;7～30天P<0.01);海人酸致痫后6小时、24小时实验组大鼠海马的GAD67mRNA及其蛋白表达较对照组增高(分别为P<0.01、P<0.05)。结论:颞叶癫痫急性期海马GAD67表达的增高及慢性期海马GAD65表达的增高是癫痫发生后机体的内源性抗痫机制。     

GAD65 antibody‐associated autoimmune epilepsy with unique independent bitemporal‐onset ictal asystole

Antibodies against the 65‐kDa isoform of the intracellular enzyme, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65), have been found in patients with limbic encephalitis and drug‐resistant autoimmune epilepsy. We report a 22‐year‐old female who presented with new‐onset seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Video‐EEG captured unique, independent bitemporal‐onset focal seizures with impaired awareness and ictal asystole. An autoimmune epilepsy panel revealed elevated GAD65 antibodies in the serum (225 nmol/l) and CSF (2.78 nmol/l), while [¹⁸F]‐fluoro‐deoxy‐glucose positron emission tomography showed bitemporal hypometabolism (left > right). The patient was diagnosed with GAD65 antibody‐associated autoimmune epilepsy. Our observation adds to the spectrum of neurocardiac syndromes associated with autoimmune epilepsy.     

Myoclonic status epilepticus as a presentation of caspr2 antibody‐associated autoimmune encephalitis

We present a case of autoimmune encephalitis associated with antibodies targeting contactin‐associated protein‐like 2. This case is notable because of the presentation with myoclonic status epilepticus and the prolonged clinical course of refractory seizures, which are demonstrated in the accompanying videos, and not previously associated with this condition. Treatment with prednisone, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasma exchange, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and mycophenolate mofetil resulted in significant functional improvement. Historically, myoclonic status epilepticus is associated with a grave prognosis and minimal chance of meaningful recovery. This case demonstrates that autoimmune encephalitis remains an important differential diagnosis in patients with such a presentation, and that early recognition and the appropriate institution of immunotherapy can result in seizure control and functional recovery. [Published with video sequences]     

Antisense oligonucleotide to GABAA receptor γ2 subunit induces limbic status epilepticus

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. A deficiency of GABAergic inhibition mediated via the GABA_A receptor complex has for a long time been suspected to be a central factor in epileptogenesis. Status epilepticus is a condition of sustained and prolonged excitation of neuronal circuits, as detected by epileptiform discharges in the electroencephalogram (EEG). Reduction of GABA_A receptor-mediated hippocampal inhibition has been implicated in the development of status epilepticus. The present study provides direct evidence of a link between the GABA_A receptor and epilepsy. We show that selective inhibition of the expression of the GABA_A receptor γ2 subunit in the rat hippocampus by means of antisense oligonucleotides leads to spontaneous electrographic seizures that evolve into profound limbic status epilepticus, ultimately resulting in severe neurodegenerative changes. Concurrent treatment with diazepam prevents the development of status epilepticus and markedly reduces neuronal cell loss. These findings strongly support the hypothesis that the GABA_A receptor is critically involved in the pathogenesis of seizures and status epilepticus. J. Neurosci. Res. 54:863–869, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

GAD65抗体相关性小脑性共济失调一例报道及文献复习

目的探讨抗谷氨酸脱羧酶65(glutamic acid decarboxylase,GAD65)抗体相关性小脑性共济失调的临床表现、治疗及预后。方法报道一例抗GAD65抗体相关性小脑性共济失调患者的临床资料,进行诊断、鉴别诊断、治疗及预后分析。结果患者为中老年男性,急性起病,缓慢进展,主要表现为步态不稳并渐出现复视、不能独立行走;神经系统体检发现双眼上视受限、双侧跟膝胫试验及双手轮替试验欠稳准;血清及脑脊液抗GAD65抗体阳性;头颅MRI未见异常萎缩及责任病灶;大剂量甲强龙冲击后症状明显减轻。结论抗GAD65抗体相关性小脑性共济失调可有脑干及小脑受累症状,是一种可以治疗性疾病,早期诊断并积极治疗有望改善预后。     

Pitfalls in diagnosing limbic encephalitis - a case report

Background – The syndrome of limbic encephalitis (LE) is characterized by subacute onset of temporal lobe epilepsy, loss of short‐term memory, cognitive confusion and psychiatric symptoms. Aim – We report a patient with pharmacoresistant epilepsy who underwent presurgical video‐electroencephalogram (EEG)‐monitoring with normal psychiatric and neuropsychological findings. Methods – Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion within the right amygdala but no contrast enhancement. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) showed pleocytosis and positive oligoclonal bands, but all tests for neurotropic viruses or borrelia antibodies were negative. Presurgical evaluation identified a right mesiotemporal focus. Results – As a tumour was the most likely differential diagnosis, we performed selective amygdalohippocampectomy of the right hemisphere. Subsequent histopathological examination revealed the surprising diagnosis of LE. As a consequence, tumour screening was initiated and a testicular carcinoma with high anti‐Ma2‐antibody titres was detected. Following surgical and chemotherapeutical treatment, the patient was seizure‐free and Ma2‐antibodies decreased below detection limits. Conclusion – This case report highlights that LE has to be considered even in patients with atypical clinical presentation, i.e. without neuropsychological deficits, if CSF analysis reveals an inflammatory response. When LE is diagnosed, extensive tumour search is mandatory to detect and treat the paraneoplastic origin of LE. Therapeutic strategies of LE include surgical treatment as well as early immunosuppression.     

Periodic febrile confusion as a presentation of complex partial status epilepticus

A 75-year-old woman was evaluated for recurrent episodes of fever she experienced periodically every 4-5 weeks over the last 12 months, lasting 2-3 days each. The fever was associated with continuous complex partial seizures, paralleled the seizure activity and returned to normal after the seizures had ceased. The ictal EEG recordings showed rhythmic bitemporal 3-4 Hz activity; the interictal recordings showed a spike and wave discharge over the right fronto-temporal region. Carbamazepine effectively controlled both the seizures and the fever; the latter was presumed to be an inherent manifestation of the seizure activity.     

Unique cell tropism of HHV‐6B in an infantile autopsy case of primary HHV‐6B encephalitis

Human herpes virus 6 (HHV‐6) is known to cause primary encephalitis in the frontal lobes/cerebral hemisphere or reactivated encephalitis in the hippocampus, but the pathogenesis remains unclear. HHV‐6B has also been detected in hippocampal samples in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. A 1 year and 3 months old female, who had been clinically diagnosed with exanthema subitum and febrile convulsion, was found dead on the third day after onset. Macroscopic findings showed massive brain edema. Microscopic examination revealed gemistocytic astrocytes and ballooned oligodendrocytes in the frontal white matter, along with neuronal cell death with microglial infiltration in the frontal cortex. Polymerase chain reaction detected HHV‐6B in the cerebrospinal fluid and necropsy brain samples. The hippocampus showed a 4–5‐fold increase in virus copy number of HHV‐6B compared to samples from other brain sites. Immunostaining indicated that HHV‐6B had infected vascular endothelial cells, neurons and oligodendrocytes but not astrocytes or microglia. Hippocampal neurons were infected with highly concentrated HHV‐6B, but the hippocampus had neither neuronal loss nor reactive glial response. Silent and abundant HHV‐6B infection in the hippocampus might be associated with latent infection, reactivation and some hippocampus‐oriented disorders, including mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.     

PET‐positive extralimbic presentation of anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase antibody‐associated encephalitis

Anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibody‐associated autoimmune encephalitis has been reported mostly as limbic encephalitis. Only few cases with extralimbic involvement are reported with limited investigation. Here, we report an extensive investigation with MRI, PET, and pathological examination. A 66‐year‐old Japanese female with a history of hypothyroidism, colon cancer, pheochromocytoma, and thymoma‐associated myasthenia gravis presented with generalised tonic‐clonic seizures. MRI showed multiple hyperintense lesions and PET showed hypermetabolic lesions in the brain. Biopsy showed non‐specific gliosis, microglial proliferation, and perivascular lymphohistiocytic infiltrates. Various neuronal antibodies were negative, except for anti‐GAD antibody. Anti‐GAD antibody‐associated encephalitis is an increasingly recognised CNS disease. Pathophysiology of this encephalitis is unclear. While PET showed hypermetabolic lesions, the biopsy showed non‐specific changes. The treatments may include immunosuppressants, IVIg, and plasma exchange. One should consider to measure this antibody, in addition to others, when autoimmune encephalitis is suspected [Published with video sequences].     

Microglia are less pro‐inflammatory than myeloid infiltrates in the hippocampus of mice exposed to status epilepticus

Activated microglia, astrogliosis, expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, blood brain barrier (BBB) leakage and peripheral immune cell infiltration are features of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Numerous studies correlated the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines with the activated morphology of microglia, attributing them a pro‐epileptogenic role. However, microglia and myeloid cells such as macrophages have always been difficult to distinguish due to an overlap in expressed cell surface molecules. Thus, the detrimental role in epilepsy that is attributed to microglia might be shared with myeloid infiltrates. Here, we used a FACS‐based approach to discriminate between microglia and myeloid infiltrates isolated from the hippocampus 24 h and 96 h after status epilepticus (SE) in pilocarpine‐treated CD1 mice. We observed that microglia do not express MHCII whereas myeloid infiltrates express high levels of MHCII and CD40 96 h after SE. This antigen‐presenting cell phenotype correlated with the presence of CD4^pos T cells. Moreover, microglia only expressed TNFα 24 h after SE while myeloid infiltrates expressed high levels of IL‐1β and TNFα. Immunofluorescence showed that astrocytes but not microglia expressed IL‐1β. Myeloid infiltrates also expressed matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)?9 and 12 while microglia only expressed MMP‐12, suggesting the involvement of both cell types in the BBB leakage that follows SE. Finally, both cell types expressed the phagocytosis receptor Axl, pointing to phagocytosis of apoptotic cells as one of the main functions of microglia. Our data suggests that, during early epileptogenesis, microglia from the hippocampus remain rather immune supressed whereas myeloid infiltrates display a strong inflammatory profile. GLIA 2016 GLIA 2016;64:1350–1362     

Structural network topology in limbic encephalitis is associated with amygdala enlargement,memory performance and serostatus

Limbic encephalitis (LE) forms a spectrum of autoimmune diseases involving temporal lobe epilepsy and memory impairment. Imaging features of LE are known to depend on the associated antibody and to occur on the brain network level. However, first studies investigating brain networks in LE have either focused on one distinct antibody subgroup or on distinct anatomical regions. In this study, brain graphs of 17 LE patients with autoantibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD-LE), four LE patients with autoantibodies against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1, five LE patients with autoantibodies against contactin-associated protein-like 2, 26 age- and gender-matched healthy control subjects, and 20 epilepsy control patients with hippocampal sclerosis were constructed based on T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging scans and diffusion tensor imaging. GAD-LE showed significantly altered global network topology in terms of integration and segregation as compared to healthy controls and patients with hippocampal sclerosis (P < .01, analysis of variance with Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests). Linear regression linked global network measures with amygdala volume and verbal memory performance (P < .05). Alterations of local network topology show serotype dependence in hippocampus, amygdala, insula, and various cortical regions. Our findings reveal serotype-dependent patterns of structural connectivity and prove the relevance of in silico network measures on clinical grounds.     

Possible autoantibody-negative limbic encephalitis after anterior temporal lobectomy for hippocampal sclerosis

Purpose: Amnestic syndromes are acknowledged to be associated to bilateral hippocampal damage.

Materials and methods: We briefly report the case of a young man who underwent anterior left temporal lobectomy for a medically refractory temporal lobe epilepsy due to hippocampal sclerosis with an excellent seizure and neuropsychological outcome. Approximately 10 years later, he presented with a subacute severe global amnesia and neuroimaging findings of a damage involving the contralateral mesial temporal lobe structures.

Results: A diagnosis of a possible autoimmune encephalitis was made.

Conclusions: Due to its peculiarities (compared with other cases of bilateral temporal lesions, the damage occurred on two distinct occasions), this case might contribute to shed light on the issue of the possible contralateral reorganization of memory processes subserved by the mesial temporal lobe structures chronically involved in epileptogenesis.     

Characterisation of a syndrome of autoimmune adult onset focal epilepsy and encephalitis

We report a series of patients with a clinical syndrome characterised by the explosive onset in adulthood of recurrent focal seizures of frontotemporal onset and features suggestive of autoimmune encephalitis. We propose that this presentation of “autoimmune adult onset focal epilepsy and encephalitis” is a recognisable clinical syndrome, and provide evidence it may be associated with heterogeneous immunological targets. Between 2008 and 2011 we encountered six patients with new-onset epilepsy in whom we suspected an autoimmune aetiology. We first characterised the clinical, electroencephalographic, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), imaging, and pathological findings of this syndrome. We subsequently tested them for antibodies against both intracellular and neuronal cell surface antigens. All patients presented with recurrent seizures with focal frontotemporal onset, refractory to multiple anticonvulsants. Four had focal T2-weighted hyperintensities on MRI. CSF mononuclear cells were variably elevated with positive oligoclonal bands in four. Brain biopsy in one patient demonstrated perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. Two were treated with immunosuppression and went on to achieve complete seizure control and return to baseline cognition. Three of four patients who received only pulsed steroids or no treatment had ongoing frequent seizures, with two dying of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Subsequently, three had antibodies identified against neuronal cell surface antigens including N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1. We suggest that patients with such a presentation should be carefully evaluated for a suspected autoimmune aetiology targeting cell surface antigens and have a therapeutic trial of immunosuppression as this may improve their long-term outcome.     

GAD67 and GAD65 mRNA and protein expression in cerebrocortical regions of elderly patients with schizophrenia

Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter of CNS, has been consistently implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. GABA is synthesized from glutamate by the enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Two isoforms of GAD have been identified and have been named GAD65 and GAD67 based on their apparent molecular weights. In this study, GAD65 and GAD67 mRNA and protein levels were measured by using real-time RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively, in post-mortem brain tissue from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the occipital cortex of the elderly persons with schizophrenia and matched normal controls. In addition, the mRNA expression of GAT-1, one of the principal transporters of GABA, was also studied in the same subjects. Expression of GAD65 and GAD67 mRNA in the DLPFC and in the occipital cortex was significantly elevated in patients with schizophrenia, whereas the expression of the corresponding proteins and GAT-1 mRNA was unchanged. Although the levels of GAD65 and GAD67 messages were increased in schizophrenia subjects, the proportion of the two GAD isoforms remained constant in controls and schizophrenics. In the human DLPFC, GAD65 mRNA was found to be expressed significantly less than the message for GAD67, approximately 16% of that observed for GAD67. On the contrary, the abundance of GAD65 protein in the DLPFC was about 350% of that observed for GAD67. The results suggest a substantial dysregulation of GAD mRNA expression in schizophrenia and, taken together with the results of protein expression studies, raise the possibility that both cortical and subcortical GABA function may be compromised in the disease.     

大鼠GAD65基因慢病毒载体的构建及其在MSCs中的表达

目的构建谷氨酸脱羧酶65(glutamic acid decarboxylase 65,GAD65)重组慢病毒表达载体,感染间充质干细胞(mesenchymal stem cells,MSCs)并进行鉴定。方法 PCR法扩增GAD65基因,构建LV5-GFP-GAD65慢病毒载体;与包装质粒共转染293T细胞包装病毒;将慢病毒感染大鼠MSCs,荧光显微镜鉴定转染率,Western blot检测GAD65的表达。结果双酶切及测序结果表明LV5-GFP-GAD65慢病毒载体构建成功;包装病毒产生的病毒液滴度为5×107TU/ml;慢病毒感染大鼠MSCs的转染率高于90%,Western blot结果显示GAD65蛋白表达比对照组明显升高。结论 GAD65重组慢病毒载体构建成功,包装得到高浓度病毒液,感染大鼠MSCs能稳定过表达GAD65蛋白,为进一步探索侧脑室注射基因化的MSCs治疗癫痫奠定实验基础。