Epilepsia
Volume 42 Issue 2 Page 216 - February 2001
To cite this article: Renato Galli, Michele Luisi, Chiara Pizzanelli, Patrizia Monteleone, Elena Casarosa, Alfonso Iudice, Luigi Murri (2001)
Circulating Levels of Allopregnanolone, an Anticonvulsant Metabolite of Progesterone, in Women with Partial Epilepsy in the Postcritical Phase
Epilepsia 42 (2), 216-219.
doi:10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.07600.x
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Original Article
*Department of Neuroscience, Section of Neurology, and †Department of Reproductive Medicine and Child Development, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Pisa, Endocrine Research Unit, C.N.R., Pisa, Italy
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. R. Galli via Roma, 67 - 56126, Pisa, Italy. E-mail: r.galli@neuro.med.unipi.it
Abstract
Purpose:
Several lines of evidence indicate that there exists a relation between ovarian hormones and epilepsy. Estrogens decrease seizure threshold and increase brain excitability, whereas progesterone has an inhibitory effect and reduces epileptiform activity. Recently considerable interest has turned to neuroactive steroids, a group of progesterone metabolites, as endogenous modulators of excitability of the central nervous system (CNS). Their ability to alter neuronal firing rapidly occurs through interaction with _-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor complex. In a previous experience, serum allopregnanolone (3_-OH-5_-pregnan-20-one) levels were measured in 15 women with partial epilepsy in the intercritical phase, and no significant differences were found between patients and control subjects.
Methods:
To find out if there are changes in serum allopregnanolone levels after epileptic seizure, blood samples were drawn immediately, 15 min, and 6 h after a seizure in seven fertile females with partial epilepsy.
Results:
The most interesting finding is that allopregnanolone increases in serum during the first 15 min after partial seizures (p < 0.05) and decreases after 6 h.
Conclusions:
These data are consistent with a role for allopregnanolone in the control of neuronal excitability and seizures.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.07600.x
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2000 May;25(4):407-20. Links
Anti-seizure effects of progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP in kainic acid and perforant pathway models of epilepsy.
Frye CA ,
Scalise TJ .
Department of Psychology, The University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. cafrye@cnsunix.albany.edu
The mechanism by which progesterone has its anti-seizure effects is unknown. Progesterone has a high affinity for intracellular progestin receptors, but has weak actions at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors complexes. The progesterone metabolite, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP) is devoid of activity at intracellular progestin receptors but is a highly effective modulator of GABA(A) receptor complexes. Whether progesterones anti-seizure actions are due to effects of progesterone itself or its metabolite 3alpha,5alpha-THP was investigated. In experiment 1, 25 ovariectomized Long-Evans rats were subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 0.0, 4.0 or 8.0 mg/kg progesterone or 3alpha,5alpha-THP, 10 min prior to systemic administration of 32 mg/kg kainic acid. Four and 8.0 mg/kg progesterone significantly reduced the duration of partial and full seizures, without influencing the latency to partial or full seizures, or the number of partial or full seizures. 3alpha, 5alpha-THP (4.0 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency to initial partial seizure, and decreased the number and duration of partial seizures. In experiment 2, 60 ovariectomized Long-Evans rats were stereotaxically implanted with bipolar electrodes into the perforant pathway. Prior to perforant pathway stimulation, rats were s.c. injected with either progesterone (4.0 mg/kg, n = 12), 3alpha, 5alpha-THP (4.0 mg/kg, n = 13), progesterone (4.0 mg/kg)+4MA (10.0 mg of a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, 17b-N, N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza,5alpha-androstan-3-one, n = 12), 4MA+vehicle (n = 10), or sesame oil vehicle (n = 13). Administration of progesterone or 3alpha, 5alpha-THP, but not vehicle control, P+4MA, or 4MA, resulted in significant decreases in partial seizures. In experiment 3, whole brain progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP were measured by radioimmunoassay in additional rats (n = 66) administered the hormonal milieu indicated in experiments 1 and 2. Data suggest anti-seizure effects of progesterone may be due, in part, to metabolism to 3alpha,5alpha-THP and subsequent actions at GABA(A) receptor complexes.
PMID: 10725616 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10725616&dopt=Citation
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Volume 87 Issue 3 Page 116 - September 2000
To cite this article: María Ester Pesce, Ximena Acevedo, Diego Bustamante, Hugo F. Miranda, Gianni Pinardi (2000)
Progesterone and Testosterone Modulate the Convulsant Actions of Pentylenetetrazol and Strychnine in Mice
Pharmacology and Toxicology 87 (3), 116-119.
doi:10.1111/j.0901-9928.2000.870303.x
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Original Article
Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pharmacology Program, University of Santiago de Chile and Pharmacology Program ICBM, Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
Abstract:
The influence of progesterone and testosterone on the incidence of seizures after administration of intraperitoneal pentylenetetrazol and subcutaneous strychnine was evaluated in mice. Pentylenetetrazol and strychnine were administered in doses that induced seizures in 40-50% of control mice in dioestrus (48 and 0.9 mg/kg, respectively). The percentage of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol and strychnine was significantly lower in female mice in prooestrus/oestrus, when progesterone levels are high, than in dioestrus, when progesterone levels are low. Pretreatment of pentylenetetrazol-challenged mice with progesterone (250 _g/kg) increased the incidence of seizures in prooestrus/oestrus, without affecting seizures in dioestrus. The same pretreatment in strychnine-challenged mice also increased the incidence of seizures in prooestrus-dioestrus, but significantly reduced the incidence of seizures in dioestrus. In addition, progesterone pretreatment significantly increased the percentage of deaths induced by strychnine in prooestrus-oestrus, reducing deaths in dioestrus. Orchidectomized male mice had a significantly higher incidence of seizures after administration of pentylenetetrazol and strychnine than control mice. Administration of 11 daily doses of 250 _g/kg of testosterone to castrated mice significantly reduced the incidence of seizures induced by pentylenetetrazol. These results confirm the modulatory influence of reproductive steroids on the excitability of the central nervous system and the possible clinical importance of progesterone and testosterone in the management of partial epilepsy.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1111/j.0901-9928.2000.870303.x/abs/
THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
Vol. 288, Issue 2, 679-684, February 1999
Finasteride, a 5 -Reductase Inhibitor, Blocks the Anticonvulsant Activity of Progesterone in Mice
Tushar G. Kokate, Melissa K. Banks, Tamika Magee, Shun-Ichi Yamaguchi and Michael A. Rogawski
Neuronal Excitability Section, Epilepsy Research Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
Progesterone is an effective anticonvulsant against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizures. This action is hypothesized to require the metabolic conversion of progesterone to the -aminobutyric acid Areceptor potentiating neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone by 5 -reductase isoenzymes followed by 3 -hydroxy oxidoreduction. We evaluated this possibility using the competitive 5 -reductase inhibitor finasteride. Progesterone (50-200 mg/kg, i.p.) protected mice against PTZ-induced seizures in a dose-dependent manner (ED 50 ,94 mg/kg). Pretreatment with finasteride (50-300 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a dose-dependent (ED 50 , 146 mg/kg) reversal of the protective effects of progesterone (2 _ ED 50 dose = 188 mg/kg). In contrast, finasteride (up to 300 mg/kg) failed to affect the anticonvulsant activity of allopregnanolone (10-30 mg/kg, i.p.; ED 50 , 12 mg/kg). Finasteride (up to 300 mg/kg) did not block the protective effect of high doses of progesterone (250-350 mg/kg) on tonic hindlimb extension in the maximal electroshock seizure test (progesterone ED 50 , 235 mg/kg). The anticonvulsant activity of progesterone against PTZ-induced seizures can be blocked by 5 -reductase inhibition, providing strong evidence that the anticonvulsant effect of the steroid in this model is mediated by its active metabolite allopregnanolone.
http://intl-jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/288/2/679
Epilepsia
Volume 40 Issue 10 Page 1402 - October 1999
To cite this article: Cynthia L. Harden, Melissa C. Pulver, Lisa Ravdin, Alan R. Jacobs (1999)
The Effect of Menopause and Perimenopause on the Course of Epilepsy
Epilepsia 40 (10), 1402-1407.
doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1999.tb02012.x
Prev Article Next Article
Original Article
The Effect of Menopause and Perimenopause on the Course of Epilepsy
Cynthia L. Harden 1, Melissa C. Pulver 1, Lisa Ravdin 1, Alan R. Jacobs 1
1Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York, U.S.A.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. C. L. Harden at Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Room K-615, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 East 68 th Street, New York, NY 10021, U.S.A. clharden@mail.med.cornell.edu
Abstract
Summary:
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary information about the effect of menopause and perimenopause on the course of epilepsy, and to determine whether seizure type, use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), or a history of catamenial seizure pattern would influence this course.
Methods: We performed a questionnaire study of women with epilepsy currently in menopause and perimenopause, requesting information regarding the course of their epilepsy and treatment. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson X 2with 95% confidence limits.
Results: Forty-two menopausal women (ages 41-86 years) responded. Twelve subjects reported no change in seizures at menopause, 17 reported a decrease in seizure frequency, and 13 reported an increase. Sixteen (38%) took synthetic HRT. Sixteen (38%) additional subjects (having some overlap with the HRT group) reported having a catamenial seizure pattern before menopause. HRT was significantly associated with an increase in seizures during perimenopause (p = 0.001). A history of catamenial seizure pattern was significantly associated with a decrease in seizures at menopause (p = 0.013). Thirty-nine perimenopausal women (ages 38-55 years) responded. Nine subjects reported no change in seizures at perimenopause, five reported a decrease in seizure frequency, and 25 reported an increase. Eight (15%) subjects took synthetic HRT, and 28 (72%) reported having a catamenial seizure pattern before menopause. HRT had no significant effect on seizures; however, a history of catamenial seizure pattern was significantly associated with an increase in seizures at perimenopause (p = 0.02).
Conclusions: These pilot data suggest that synthetic HRT may be associated with an increase in seizure frequency in menopausal women with epilepsy. A catamenial seizure pattern may be associated with seizure decrease during menopause but with an increase during perimenopause.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1999.tb02012.x
Epilepsy Res. 1998 May;30(3):195-202.
Evaluation of the anticonvulsant profile of progesterone in male amygdala-kindled rats.
Mohammad S , Abolhassan A , Pourgholami MH .
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
While there is clinical evidence that progesterone has anticonvulsant activity in women with complex partial seizures, previous studies on the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone in experimental animal models are inconclusive. Moreover, the effect of progesterone on seizure parameters in fully amygdala-kindled rats which best resemble complex partial seizures has not been evaluated. Therefore, in the present work the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone at doses of 10, 30, 60 and 75 mg/kg in fully amygdala-kindled male rats was studied. Only at the high and sedative dose of 75 mg/kg, progesterone suppressed behavioral seizures and afterdischarges elicited 10 min after intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. Pretreatment with the progesterone antagonist, 17beta-hydroxy-11beta-(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-17alpha-(prop- 1-ynyl)-estra-4,9-dien-3-one (RU 38486) at the dose of 3 mg/kg did not inhibit the anticonvulsant activity of progesterone, while pretreatment with the GABA(A) receptor antagonist, bicuculline (2 mg/kg) blocked the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone. Neither RU 38486 nor bicuculline had any effect on the seizure parameters. These findings suggest that only at large and sedative doses, progesterone has some anticonvulsant activity in male amygdala-kindled rats which may be partly mediated via the GABA(A) receptor complex interaction.
PMID: 9657647 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&list_uids=9657647&dopt=citation
J Endocrinol Invest. 1997 Oct;20(9):519-26. Links
Menstrual cycle and ovary alterations in women with epilepsy on antiepileptic therapy.
Murialdo G , Galimberti CA , Magri F , Sampaolo P , Copello F , Gianelli MV , Gazzerro E , Rollero A Deagatone C , Manni R , Ferrari E , Polleri A , Tartara A .
Department of Endocrinological and Metabolic Sciences, University of Genova, Italy.
Impaired reproductive function is thought to frequently affect women with epilepsy, mainly when seizures originate in the temporal lobe. In this study, we evaluated menstrual cycle features and assessed ovulation by determining luteal progesterone (Pg) levels in 101 consecutive women with epilepsy (36 with idiopathic generalized epilepsy -IGE; 65 with partial epilepsy -PE), aged between 16 and 50 years, treated with various antiepileptic drugs (AED). PE originated in the temporal lobe (TLE) in 40 subjects, in the frontal lobe in 13, in the parietal lobe in 2, while the origin of focal seizures remained undetermined in 10 patients. In all patients, menstrual and reproductive history, body mass index, hair distribution and hormonal pattern were assessed. Suprapubic ovary ultrasound (US) examination was carried out in 83 patients (28 with IGE, 55 with PE). Three patients with IGE and one with PE were amenorrheic. Oligomenorrhea occurred in 16 patients, polymenorrhea in 2. Changes in menstrual cyclicity were independent from epilepsy type (19.4% in IGE; 23.1% in PE) and from origin of focal discharges (22.5% of patients with TLE; 20.0% with origin in other brain areas). Luteal Pg levels remained below 2 ng/ml in 30 patients independently of epilepsy type. Corpus luteum dysfunction was combined with hyperandrogenism in 15 of these patients. In the other cases different alterations of hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis were observed. Valproic acid blunted luteal Pg surge more frequently than other AED. Polycystic ovaries (PCO) were observed in 14 (16.9%) patients (21.0% with IGE: 14.5% with PE). These prevalences are not higher than those reported in the general population. Among PE patients, PCO was found in 1 case with undetermined focal origin and in 7 TLE cases, who also had ovary volume significantly larger than patients with seizures originating from the frontal or parietal lobe. Epileptic women exhibited an increased occurrence of multifollicular ovaries (MFO) found in 12 cases (14.4% vs 5% in the general population). However, no defined hormonal or clinical pictures were associated with this US alteration in most patients. These findings reappraise the impact of ovary alterations in women mainly affected by mild to moderate epilepsy, on differing AED regimens, with the exception of more frequent ovulatory dysfunction and PCO occurrence in patients taking VPA.
PMID: 9413805 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?itool=abstractplus&db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=abstractplus&list_uids=11554885
Epilepsia
Volume 38 Issue 10 Page 1082 - October 1997
To cite this article: Andrew G. Herzog, Pavel Klein, Bernard J. Rand (1997)
Three Patterns of Catamenial Epilepsy
Epilepsia 38 (10), 1082-1088.
doi:10.1111/j.1528-1157.1997.tb01197.x
Prev Article Next Article
Original Article
1Harvard Neuroendocrine Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. A. G. Herzog at Harvard Neuroendocrine Unit, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215, U.S.A.
Abstract
Summary:
Purpose: On the basis of the neuroactive properties of estradiol and progesterone and the menstrually related cyclic variations of their serum concentrations, we propose the existence of three hormonally based patterns of seizure exacerbation. Because previous reports both support and refute the concept of catamenial epilepsy, we test the hypothesis by charting seizures and menses and measuring midluteal serum progesterone levels to estimate the frequency of epileptic women with catamenial seizure exacerbation.
Methods: One hundred eighty-four women with intractable complex partial seizures (CPS) charted their seizure occurrence and onset of menstruation on a calendar for one cycle during which they had a midluteal blood sample taken for serum progesterone determination on day 22. Levels >5 ng/ml were considered ovulatory. The cycle was divided into four phases with onset of menstruation being day 1: menstrual (M) = -3 to +3, follicular (F) = 4 to 9, ovulatory (O) = 10 to -13, and luteal (L) = _12 to _4. Average daily seizure frequency for each phase was calculated and compared among phases by repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Student-Newman-Keul's test, separately for ovulatory and anovulatory cycles.
Results: The 1,324 seizures recorded during 98 ovulatory cycles occurred with significantly greater (p < 0.001) average daily frequency during the M (0.59) and O (0.50) phases than during the F (0.41) and L (0.40) phases, offering support for perimenstrual (catamenial 1) and preovulatory (catamenial 2) patterns of seizure exacerbation. The 1,523 seizures recorded during 86 anovulatory cycles occurred with significantly lower (p < 0.001) average daily frequency during the F phase (0.49) than during all other phases (M = 0.78, O = 0.74, L = 0.74), offering support for seizure exacerbation throughout the second half of inadequate luteal phase cycles (catamenial pattern 3). Although 71.4% of the women with ovulatory cycles and 77.9% with inadequate luteal phase cycles had seizure exacerbation in relation to one of the three patterns of catamenial epilepsy, approximately one third of the women showed at least a twofold increase in average daily seizure frequency. We propose a twofold or greater increase as a reasonable definition of catamenial epilepsy.
Conclusions: Charting of seizures and menses and determination of day 22 progesterone levels during each cycle may be sufficient to establish the existence of three distinct patterns of catamenial epilepsy. Approximately one third of women with intractable CPS may have catamenial epilepsy.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1997.tb01197.x
Epilepsy Res. 1989 Mar-Apr;3(2):100-6. Links
Unbalanced progesterone and estradiol secretion in catamenial epilepsy.
Bonuccelli U , Melis GB , Paoletti AM , Fioretti P , Murri L , Muratorio A .
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, Chicago, IL 60612.
Ten women with a documented history of catamenial epilepsy underwent a hormonal study to evaluate hypophyseal-gonadal function. Baseline values of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and prolactin were similar in catamenial seizure patients and in control groups throughout a complete menstrual cycle. Stimulated secretions of the same hypophyseal hormones in catamenial seizure patients overlapped those of the controls. The luteal secretion ratio of progesterone to estradiol was significantly reduced in catamenial seizure patients versus normal controls. In a subgroup of catamenial seizure patients on antiepileptic therapy, luteal progesterone levels were remarkably decreased compared to normal and epileptic controls. These results indicate that catamenial epilepsy is characterized by an imbalance in ovarian steroid secretion and emphasize the need for an endocrinological assessment in these patients.
PMID: 2651113 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2651113&dopt=Citation
Epilepsia. 1985;26 Suppl 1:S40-51. Links
Epilepsy, sex hormones, and antiepileptic drugs.
Mattson RH , Cramer JA .
Many factors associated with hormone function have an impact on the course of epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy may have disturbances in sexual function such as anovulatory cycles in women and decreased libido and potency in men. Data indicate seizures, especially those arising in the limbic system, may influence the hypothalamic pituitary axis. Antiepileptic drugs also influence sexual function through direct brain effects as well as through induced changes in pharmacokinetics of the sex steroid hormones. Pregnancy has been reported to be a time of increased seizures; however, this has often been associated with low drug levels, for reasons that include inadequate drug dose, possible changes in pharmacokinetics, and noncompliance. Some evidence suggests that hormones affect seizure frequency. Changes in seizures during the menstrual cycle (catamenial epilepsy) have been found in some women: seizures were fewer during the luteal phase but increased when progesterone levels declined. Some improvement in seizure frequency has been shown in pilot studies using medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progesterone. Current concepts of the interrelationship among epilepsy, sex hormones, and antiepileptic drugs are discussed.
PMID: 3158512 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3158512&dopt=Citation
Web sites Epilepsy
Epilepsia
Volume 42 Issue 2 Page 216 - February 2001
Renato Galli, Michele Luisi, Chiara Pizzanelli, Patrizia Monteleone, Elena Casarosa, Alfonso Iudice, Luigi Murri (2001)
Circulating Levels of Allopregnanolone, an Anticonvulsant Metabolite of Progesterone, in Women with Partial Epilepsy in the Postcritical Phase
Several lines of evidence indicate that there exists a relation between ovarian hormones and epilepsy. Estrogens decrease seizure threshold and increase brain excitability, whereas progesterone has an inhibitory effect and reduces epileptiform activity.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/links/doi/10.1046/j.1528-1157.2001.07600.x
Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2000 May;25(4):407-20. Links
Anti-seizure effects of progesterone and 3alpha,5alpha-THP in kainic acid and perforant pathway models of epilepsy.
Frye CA , Scalise TJ .
Department of Psychology, The University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA. cafrye@cnsunix.albany.edu
The mechanism by which progesterone has its anti-seizure effects is unknown. Progesterone has a high affinity for intracellular progestin receptors, but has weak actions at gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)(A) receptors complexes.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10725616&dopt=Citation
THE JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL THERAPEUTICS
Vol. 288, Issue 2, 679-684, February 1999
Finasteride, a 5 -Reductase Inhibitor, Blocks the Anticonvulsant Activity of Progesterone in Mice
Tushar G. Kokate, Melissa K. Banks, Tamika Magee, Shun-Ichi Yamaguchi and Michael A. Rogawski
Progesterone is an effective anticonvulsant against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizures.
http://intl-jpet.aspetjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/288/2/679
J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 1999 Feb;288(2):679-84.
Finasteride, a 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, blocks the anticonvulsant activity of progesterone in mice.
Kokate TG , Banks MK , Magee T , Yamaguchi S , Rogawski MA .
Neuronal Excitability Section, Epilepsy Research Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1408, USA.
Progesterone is an effective anticonvulsant against pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) seizures. This action is hypothesized to require the metabolic conversion of progesterone to the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor potentiating neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone by 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes followed by 3 alpha-hydroxy oxidoreduction.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=9918575
Epilepsia
Volume 40 Issue 10 Page 1402 - October 1999
The Effect of Menopause and Perimenopause on the Course of Epilepsy
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to obtain preliminary information about the effect of menopause and perimenopause on the course of epilepsy, and to determine whether seizure type, use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), or a history of catamenial seizure pattern would influence this course.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1999.tb02012.x
Epilepsy Res. 1998 May;30(3):195-202.
Evaluation of the anticonvulsant profile of progesterone in male amygdala-kindled rats.
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
While there is clinical evidence that progesterone has anticonvulsant activity in women with complex partial seizures, previous studies on the anticonvulsant effect of progesterone in experimental animal models are inconclusive.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&list_uids=9657647&dopt=citation
Epilepsia
Volume 38 Issue 10 Page 1082 - October 1997
Three Patterns of Catamenial Epilepsy
On the basis of the neuroactive properties of estradiol and progesterone and the menstrually related cyclic variations of their serum concentrations, we propose the existence of three hormonally based patterns of seizure exacerbation. Because previous reports both support and refute the concept of catamenial epilepsy, we test the hypothesis by charting seizures and menses and measuring midluteal serum progesterone levels to estimate the frequency of epileptic women with catamenial seizure exacerbation.
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1528-1157.1997.tb01197.x
Epilepsy Res. 1989 Mar-Apr;3(2):100-6. Links
Unbalanced progesterone and estradiol secretion in catamenial epilepsy.
Bonuccelli U , Melis GB , Paoletti AM , Fioretti P , Murri L , Muratorio A .
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center, Department of Neurological Sciences, Chicago, IL 60612.
Ten women with a documented history of catamenial epilepsy underwent a hormonal study to evaluate hypophyseal-gonadal function.
PMID: 2651113 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=2651113&dopt=Citation
Epilepsia. 1985;26 Suppl 1:S40-51. Links
Epilepsy, sex hormones, and antiepileptic drugs.
Mattson RH , Cramer JA .
Many factors associated with hormone function have an impact on the course of epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy may have disturbances in sexual function such as anovulatory cycles in women and decreased libido and potency in men.
PMID: 3158512 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3158512&dopt=Citation
