Monitoring Seizure-Induced Neural Electrical Activity in Brain Slices Using Microelectrode Arrays

In This Article

Abstract

Source: Panuccio, G., et al. Recording and modulation of epileptiform activity in rodent brain slices coupled to microelectrode arrays. J. Vis. Exp. (2018)

This protocol involves using a microelectrode array (MEA) to record electrical activity in a brain slice exposed to a seizure-inducing drug. The procedure includes positioning the brain slice in an MEA recording chamber, applying electrical stimulation to induce artificial seizures, and analyzing the resulting signals.

Protocol

All procedures involving animal samples have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate animal ethical review committee.

1. Preparation of the MEA Setup

Note: Start 15 min before recording.

Transfer the remaining volume of 4AP-ACSF (4-aminopyridine artificial cerebrospinal fluid) into a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask.
Place the Erlenmeyer flask on a shelf above the MEA (Microelectrode arrays) amplifier and use tubing to allow the solution to continuously feed a 60 mL syringe. Adjust the height of the Erlenmeyer flask and the syringe to allow a gravity-fed rate o....

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Results

Microfluidic device assembly for fluid dynamics study; diagram of inlet, reservoir, outlet system.
Figure 1: Custom equipment used for this protocol. (A) The holding chambers for recovery, pre-warming, and pre-incubation in 4AP are assembled using a beaker and a Petri dish. The Petri dish should be smaller in diameter than the breaker .......