Aromatase inhibitors may be an effective treatment for status epilepticus

In an animal study performed at Northwestern University in 2016, estrogen synthesis was identified as a previously unknown factor in the escalation of seizures. This finding provides new potential for a class of molecules known as aromatase inhibitors, which prevent a process known as aromatization that allows the conversion of androgens into estrogens. Aromatase inhibitors may now be relevant in studies on the treatment of status epilepticus, which occurs when seizures last too long or occur close together without the opportunity for recovery in between.

Status epilepticus was induced in a group of rats by kainic acid. The study found this action stimulated estradiol synthesis in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is commonly involved in seizures, and estradiol is known to acutely promote neural activity in that region of the brain. Higher estradiol levels were seen in rats experiencing more severe seizures. Through the administration of aromatase inhibitors after seizure onset, both electrographic and behavioral seizures were strongly suppressed. The result suggests that neurosteroid estrogen synthesis may contribute to the escalation of seizures and that the administration of aromatase inhibitors may be an effective treatment.

LKT Labs carries a number of aromatase inhibitors, including the following:

A5302 Anastrozole
C5680 Coumestrol
E9317 Exemestane
L1878 Letrozole

View a full list of the aromatase inhibitors LKT carries here.