CASP3 and Seizure: Given that hippocampal neuronal apoptosis induced by prolonged high-frequency epileptiform discharges is mediated by activation of NMDARs and caspase-3 family proteins20,21, our data suggest that this novel down-regulation of GIRK channels by caspase-3 may contribute to NMDAR-dependent hippocampal atrophy following chronic epileptic seizures.