Abstracts

Rationale: Inflammatory mechanisms appear to be involved in the pathogenesis and course of epilepsy. Vice versa, immune functions are regulated by the brain. We, therefore, measured prospectively postictal changes in serum levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) and determined the influence of possible modifying factors. Methods: Using a sandwich ELISA, serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNFα were quantified at baseline as well as immediately, 1 h and 24 h after a complex partial (CPS) or secondary generalized tonic-clonic seizure (GTCS) during video-EEG monitoring in 25 patients suffering from temporal epilepsy. Non-parametric statistics were applied. Results: IL-6 increased in average by 51 % immediately after the seizure (p<0.01) and remained elevated for 24 hours. This increase lacked in patients with hippocampal sclerosis (HS; n=16, mean increase 28 %, p>0.5, vs. 112 %, p<0.01 in patients without HS). IL-6 levels were higher after right-sided seizures as compared to left-sided seizures 24 h after the seizure (8.7 pg/mL vs. 3.4 pg/mL, p<0.05). In patients taking valproate (VPA), the levels of IL-1β were higher as compared to patients not treated with VPA. Seizure semiology (CPS vs. GTCS), gender, duration of epilepsy, past seizure frequency or intake of anticonvulsants other than VPA did not influence cytokine levels.