Plasticity: Seizure-Related Changes in Dendritic Spine Structure

Seizures cause brain injury via various mechanisms, including neuronal death and 'non-lethal' effects on neuronal structure and function. Dendritic spines receive most cortical excitatory synaptic inputs and are implicated in synaptic plasticity and learning. Previous histopathological studies of human epilepsy and animal models demonstrate abnormalities in dendritic structure, including spine loss. Our laboratory has used modern in vivo multiphoton imaging techniques to directly view acute dendritic injury in living mice during seizures, and has studied the actin-mediated mechanisms implicated in causing these dendritic changes. Selective stabilization of dendritic actin networks may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing seizure-induced brain injury.