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Mu‐opiate receptors measured by positron emission tomography are increased in temporal lobe epilepsy
Author(s) -
Frost J. James,
Mayberg Helen S.,
Fisher Robert S.,
Douglass Kenneth H.,
Dannals Robert F.,
Links Jonathan M.,
Wilson Alan A.,
Ravert Hayden T.,
Rosenbaum Arthur E.,
Snyder Solomon H.,
Wagner Henry N.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
annals of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 4.764
H-Index - 296
eISSN - 1531-8249
pISSN - 0364-5134
DOI - 10.1002/ana.410230304
Subject(s) - neocortex , epilepsy , receptor , opiate , temporal lobe , neuroscience , neurochemical , amygdala , positron emission tomography , opioid , hippocampus , endocrinology , medicine , chemistry , psychology
Neurochemical studies in animal models of epilepsy have demonstrated the importance of multiple neurotransmitters and their receptors in mediating seizures. The role of opiate receptors and endogenous opioid peptides in seizure mechanisms is well developed and is the basis for measuring opiate receptors in patients with epilepsy. Patients with complex partial seizures due to unilateral temporal seizure foci were studied by positron emission tomography using 11 C‐carfentanil to measure mu‐opiate receptors and 18 F‐fluoro‐deoxy‐D‐glucose to measure glucose utilization. Opiate receptor binding is greater in the temporal neocortex on the side of the electrical focus than on the opposite side. Modeling studies indicate that the increase in binding is due to an increase in affinity or the number of unoccupied receptors. No significant asymmetry of 11 C‐carfentanil binding was detected in the amygdala or hippocampus. Glucose utilization correlated inversely with 11 C‐carfentanil binding in the temporal neocortex. Increased opiate receptors in the temporal neocortex may represent a tonic anticonvulsant system that limits the spread of electrical activity from other temporal lobe structures.