The inhibitory neural circuitry as target of antiepileptic drugs

Impairments and defects in the inhibitory neurotransmission in the CNS can contribute to various seizure disorders, i.e., gamma -aminobutyric acid (GA BA) and glycine as the main inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain play a crucial role in some forms of epilepsy. Recent advances in deciphering th e molecular basis of the GABAergic and glycinergic systems has been achieve d by means of cloning techniques and gene targeting strategies in animals, contributing to the understanding of drug action. As well, several anticonv ulsive substances emerged which target key molecules of the inhibitory syst ems. Employment of recombinant expression systems, including, but not restr icted to the inhibitory circuitry, will further facilitate drug screening a nd rational approaches to design novel specific antiepileptic drugs, which act highly efficiently to prevent or reduce generation and spread of seizur es.