%0 Journal Article
%T Alzheimer¡¯s and Seizures: Interleukin-18, Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase and Quinolinic Acid
%A Anderson G and Ojala JO
%J International Journal of Tryptophan Research
%D 2012
%I 
%R 10.4137/IJTR.S4603
%X Emergent seizures are common in Alzheimer¡¯s disease (AD), although the mechanisms mediating this are unknown. It is proposed that stress induced interleukin-18 (IL-18), via interferon-gamma (IFNy) and independently, increases indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and subsequent quinolinic acid (QA) in microglia. QA increases seizures and concurrently contributes to neuronal loss via excitotoxicity. The ApoE4 allele interacts with IL-18 polymorphisms to increase the risk of AD, and seems likely to potentiate the emergence of seizures. Concurrent changes in IDO and the kynurenine pathways at the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) have implications for treatment, including in the efficacy of different anti-hypertensives. Melatonin is proposed to inhibit these overlapping excitotoxic and neurodegenerative processes, and would be a useful adjunctive treatment.
%U http://www.la-press.com/alzheimerrsquos-and-seizures-interleukin-18-indoleamine-23-dioxygenase-article-a2303