High-Quality Seizure-Like Activity from Acute Brain Slices Using a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Density Microelectrode Array System

Melissa L. Blotter; Isaac W. Stubbs; Jacob H. Norby; Maxwell Holmes; Ben Kearsley; Alexis Given; Kutter Hine; Micah R. Shepherd; R. Ryley Parrish

doi:10.3791/67065

High-Quality Seizure-Like Activity from Acute Brain Slices Using a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semi...

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Neuroscience

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JoVE Journal Neuroscience

High-Quality Seizure-Like Activity from Acute Brain Slices Using a Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor High-Density Microelectrode Array System

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06:28 min

September 27, 2024

DOI: 10.3791/67065-v

Melissa L. Blotter*^1,2, Isaac W. Stubbs*^1,2, Jacob H. Norby*^1,2, Maxwell Holmes^1,2, Ben Kearsley³, Alexis Given¹, Kutter Hine^1,4, Micah R. Shepherd⁵, R. Ryley Parrish^1,2

¹Department of Cell Biology and Physiology,Brigham Young University, ²Neuroscience Center,Brigham Young University, ³Department of Statistics,Brigham Young University, ⁴Department of Biology,Brigham Young University, ⁵Department of Physics and Astronomy,Brigham Young University

Overview

This study outlines a protocol for using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor high-density microelectrode array systems (CMOS-HD-MEAs) to investigate seizure-like activity from ex vivo brain slices. The research aims to enhance the understanding of seizure initiation, propagation, and termination, with a focus on developing novel therapies for status epilepticus.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

Neuroscience
Electrophysiology
Epileptology

Background

Seizures can have complex initiation and propagation mechanisms.
Status epilepticus is a critical condition that often resists treatment.
High-density microelectrode arrays provide detailed electrophysiological data.
Different paradigms offer insights into the dynamics of seizure-like activity.

Purpose of Study

To establish a reliable protocol for recording seizure activity.
To explore the spatial and temporal patterns of status epilepticus.
To inform the development of more effective treatments for severe seizures.

Methods Used

The main platform used is CMOS-HD-MEAs with ex vivo brain slices.
Brain slices are subjected to various treatment paradigms to investigate seizure-like activity.
Detailed preparation and maintenance steps are provided for optimal recordings.
The protocol includes steps for preparing the microelectrode array and ensuring proper environmental conditions.
Electrophysiological activity is recorded to analyze seizure characteristics.

Main Results

Neocortical regions show significant electrographic seizure-like activity under specific conditions.
Hippocampal regions exhibited variability in seizure-like activity.
Different paradigms revealed distinct power dynamics in seizure frequencies.

Conclusions

This study facilitates a deeper understanding of seizure mechanisms using advanced technology.
The findings may contribute to identifying new therapeutic targets for epilepsy treatment.
The research emphasizes the importance of spatial and temporal analysis in understanding seizure activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using CMOS-HD-MEAs?

CMOS-HD-MEAs allow for high-resolution recordings of electrophysiological data, providing detailed insights into brain activity and seizure dynamics.

How is seizure activity recorded in this study?

Seizure activity is recorded from brain slices using CMOS-HD-MEAs, which capture local field potentials during various treatment paradigms.

What types of data can be obtained from the CMOS-HD-MEAs?

The technology enables the recording of high-resolution local field potentials, facilitating analysis of seizure patterns and dynamics in the brain.

How can the method be applied to other research?

This protocol can be adapted for studying various neurological disorders by altering the treatment paradigms applied to the brain slices.

Are there any limitations to using this approach?

Some limitations may include the variability between brain slices and the need for precise experimental conditions to ensure consistent results.

Here, we outline a protocol for using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor high-density microelectrode array systems (CMOS-HD-MEAs) to record seizure-like activity from ex vivo brain slices.

In the Parrish lab, we are keen on understanding how seizures start, propagate and terminate. We are particularly interested in exploring novel therapies for status epilepticus, a life-threatening condition in which a seizure does not self terminate. We use CMA's high density micro electrode array systems in our research.

These advanced technologies allow us to record high resolution electrophysiological data from brain slices, capturing detailed local field potentials. This helps us understand complex brain activities like seizure patterns with great spatial and temporal precision. In the future, we plan to explore the spatial and temporal propagation patterns of status epilepticus, a prolonged seizure state that often becomes resistant to anti-epileptic medication.

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Seizure-like Activity Acute Brain Slices CMOS-HD-MEA System High-density Microelectrode Array Electrophysiological Data Status Epilepticus Local Field Potentials Neurophysiological Activity Neuronal Unit Activity Experimental Protocol Treatment Methods Brain Slice Recording Electrical Noise