Evidences are provided supporting Altrup’s membrane pollution hypothesis that links paroxysmal depolarization shifts observed during epileptic activity, and pacemaker potentials. It is proposed a connection between membrane’s physic-chemical characteristics, fluidity and pollution with neuron’s ability to conduct impulses during excitation. There are discussed previously used means of epilepsy treatment based on the ketogenic diet, as well as their possible mechanisms on the light of Altrup’s hypothesis. Among possible mechanisms for ketogenic diet, we underline ketone bodies antiepileptic actionthe role of increased synthesis of glutathione as well as the role played by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and cholesterol as components included into the ketogenic diet. These three mechanisms, among others, lead to a regulation of fluidity and other biophysical properties of the membrane bilayer as well as to a cleansing of the membrane from amphiphilic polluters, in accordance with Altrup’s hypothesis.
Epileptic activity, paroxysmal depolarization shifts, pacemaker potential, Altrup’s hypothesis, membrane pollution, lateral pressure, ketogenic diet, glutathione
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