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The Inherited Episodic Ataxias: How Well Do We Understand the Disease Mechanisms?University Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London
University Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London
Department of Neurology, University of Bonn
University Department of Clinical Neurology, Institute of Neurology National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London The past few years have seen the elucidation of several neurological diseases caused by inherited mutations of ion channels. In contrast to many other types of genetic disorders, the "channelopathies" can be studied with high precision by applying electrophysiological methods. This review evaluates the success of this approach in explaining the mechanisms of two forms of episodic ataxia that are known to be caused by mutations of ion channels: episodic ataxia type 1 (EA1, caused by K+ channel mutations) and episodic ataxia type 2 (EA2, caused by Ca2+ channel mutations). Although both of these disorders are rare, they raise many important questions about the roles of identified channels in brain function. Indeed, a resolution of the mechanisms by which both diseases occur will represent a major milestone in understanding diseases of the CNS, in addition to opening the way to novel possible treatments.
Key Words: Channelopathy • Ion channel • Cerebellum • Paroxysmal movement disorder • Epilepsy
The Neuroscientist, Vol. 7, No. 1,
80-88 (2001) This article has been cited by other articles:
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