[The role of cytokines in the seizure activity development in the brain].

In this review, the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, in the seizure activity development is analyzed. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that the transformation of normal pattern of neuronal activity to paroxysmal one is associated with the increased production of these cytokines in the brain. However, the present results indicate that expressions of IL-1, TNF-alpha and IL-10 in the brain are associated with cell injury rather than with seizures per se. These findings suggest that, in response to seizures, these cytokines cause both neuroprotective or neurodegenerative effects and, as a consequence of these effects, the further facilitation or depression of seizure activity.