Progress in synaptic mechanism in epileptogenesis

: Recurrent seizures lead to abnormal expression of synaptic proteins, reorganization of synapse and formation of abnormal neuron network. Recently, it is identified that the synaptic proteins are involved in epileptogenesis. The abnormal expression of several synaptic regulatory proteins and postsynaptic membrane receptor proteins may result in epilepsy. The ion channels usually are the action target of most antiepileptic drugs. However, carbamazepine and zonisamide may interact with syntaxin and/or soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complex to exert its function of anti-epilepsy. The synaptic vesicle protein 2A is the action target for new anti-epileptic drugs, including levetiracetam, brivaracetam and seletracetam.