Epileptogenesis Induced by Reactive Astrocytes

Abstract

Epilepsy affects approximately 1% of the world’s population; however, 30% of patients remain resistant to antiepileptic drugs. Reactive astrogliosis is commonly observed in tissue samples from epileptic patients; this process involves astrocytic Ca²⁺ hyperactivity and contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. However, the role of reactive astrocytes in the pathology of epilepsy is yet to be established. This review therefore focuses on the role of reactive astrocytes in epileptogenesis with an emphasis on Ca²⁺ signaling. The mechanisms underlying the induction of reactive astrocytes and their multifaceted roles in the pathophysiology of epilepsy are discussed. An improved understanding of these processes may lead to novel therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes, which may benefit patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.