The PERC research team has focused much of its initial effort on trying to understand the underlying bases of the KD's antiepileptic efficacy. Our intent is to continue to update the model as our experimental studies begin to provide data, and as we become aware of results from other laboratories.
Blue lines are formal links that represent the functional dependence of each model on the others.
While there are metabolic pathways by which the KD may affect central neuronal glutamate metabolism, it is not clear as yet that these changes can contribute to seizure control. A variety of neuro-hormonal changes may attend the KD, but with unknown effects on the brain. Preliminary PERC studies have found, for instance the the KD increases plasma and brain norepinephrine levels. It is not clear by what mechanisms these events might affect seizure activity. Further, we must show that preventing ketosis during the KD also prevents the decrease in seizure activity.