Group I mGluR-induced epileptogenesis: distinct and overlapping roles of mGluR1 and mGluR5 and implications for antiepileptic drug design.

The group I metabotropic glutamate receptor subtypes, mGluR1 and mGluR5, have both distinct and overlapping actions in epileptogenesis. Data are reviewed revealing how activation of these receptor subtypes participates in the induction and maintenance of the long-lasting epileptiform discharges elicited in the hippocampal circuit. Differences in the cellular actions and regional distributions of mGluR1 and mGluR5 provide hints regarding the potential usefulness and limitations of subtype-specific antagonists as antiepileptic agents.