In a mouse model of epilepsy, astrocytic gap junction uncoupling (appearing 4 hours after induction of SE), impaired potassium buffering and preceded apoptotic neuronal death and the generation of spontaneous seizures, as well, the authors showed that this astrocytic uncoupling could be induced in the presence of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF [152]. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is epilepsy.