Characterisation of preclinical biomarkers of epileptogenesis for the evaluation of antiepileptogenic properties of monoaminergic antidepressants

It has become general knowledge nowadays that neurodegenerative and inflammatory processes are crucially involved in the pathogenesis of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE).In this project, we will evaluate whether preclinical biomarkers of neurodegeneration and inflammation can be utilised as biomarkers for epileptogenesis. Simultaneously, we will investigate the neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antiepileptogenic properties of a series of antidepressants.
To investigate whether the primary mechanism of antidepressant action will affect the possible antiepileptogenic potency, we will screen selective dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and study possible differential effects on the selected biomarkers and neuronal damage.