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Seize the Moment

Supporting brain cells called astrocytes contribute to the seizures experienced with brain tumours

21 April 2020

Seize the Moment

The price for protection against brain tumours (stained blue, left, in this mouse brain section) may be a higher risk of seizures. This is because the cells that block a tumour’s spread become damaged by the tumour. These star-shaped (green), called astrocytes, typically support the brain’s many functions. However, the tumour makes them lose their ability to dampen down levels of chemicals that trigger bursts of brain activity. High levels of these 'excitatory' chemicals can cause a sudden electrical disturbance across the brain: a seizure. To make it worse, the tumours themselves can release toxic levels of these chemicals, which kill off nearby brain cells, making space for the tumour to grow. Most patients with brain tumours develop seizures that can be debilitating. Epilepsy drugs work for some, but not all patients. Researchers hope that studying tumour growth in mice will give insights into how to treat the cancer without triggering seizures.

Written by Deborah Oakley

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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