Serotonergic Mechanisms of Seizure-Induced Central Apnea Seminar

Respiratory dysfunction following generalized convulsive seizures is proposed as a causal mechanism in SUDEP. Central chemosensitivity to carbon dioxide, or CO2, drives ventilation in response to hypercapnia, especially during sleep. Dr. Richerson and colleagues have found that this response may be impaired in people with epilepsy, and that convulsive seizures lead to prolonged inhibition of the ventilatory response to hypercapnia.

You will hear

In a mouse model of Dravet syndrome, Dr. Richerson’s team has obtained evidence that seizures inhibit serotonin neurons that detect changes in CO₂ levels. Defining the mechanisms of seizure-induced central apnea may lead to novel preventative treatments for SUDEP.

About the Speaker

The seminar was presented by George Richerson, MD, PhD, Professor and DEO/Roy J Carver Chair in Neuroscience at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine.

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This seminar is part of CURE Epilepsy’s Frontiers in Research Seminar Series. This program is generously supported by the Nussenbaum-Vogelstein Family and aims to help educate and expose researchers, clinicians, and students to exciting epilepsy research and also provide opportunities for young investigators to interact with leaders in the field.