Introduction. Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most frequent form of pharmaco-resistant epilepsy in human.
Research using material from TLE patients undergoing surgery and animal models has significantly increased in the last
decade. Development.We review recent findings obtained over the last years from electrophysiological and anatomical studies
in human and animal models of TLE. Data suggest a large heterogeneity and inter-individual variability depending on the
model and the system under study. However, a common principle that appears to underlie the epileptic condition is the
reorganization of excitation and inhibition resulting in hyperexcitability. Recent research combining in vitro electrophysiology
together with depth recordings in vivo and new analytical methodologies is also discussed. Conclusions. A multidisciplinary
approach using both human and animal models can help to fill gaps in our knowledge and to provide unique insights into the
pathophysiology of TLE.