The 4-aminopyridine in vitro epilepsy model analyzed with a perforated multi-electrode array

TitleThe 4-aminopyridine in vitro epilepsy model analyzed with a perforated multi-electrode array
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsGonzalez-Sulser, A., Wang J., Motamedi GK, Avoli M., Vicini S., and Dzakpasu R.
Refereed DesignationRefereed
JournalNeuropharmacology
Volume60
Issue7-8
Pagination1142-1153
Abstract

Epileptiform discharges recorded in the 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) in vitro epilepsy model are mediated by glutamatergic and GABAergic signaling. Using a 60-channel perforated multi-electrode array (pMEA) on corticohippocampal slices from 2 to 3 week old mice we recorded interictal- and ictal-like events. When glutamatergic transmission was blocked, interictal-like events no longer initiated in the hilus or CA3/CA1 pyramidal layers but originated from the dentate gyrus granule and molecular layers. Furthermore, frequencies of interictal-like events were reduced and durations were increased in these regions while cortical discharges were completely blocked. Following GABA(A) receptor blockade interictal-like events no longer propagated to the dentate gyrus while their frequency in CA3 increased; in addition, ictal-like cortical events became shorter while increasing in frequency. Lastly, drugs that affect tonic and synaptic GABAergic conductance modulated the frequency, duration, initiation and propagation of interictal-like events. These findings confirm and expand on previous studies indicating that multiple synaptic mechanisms contribute to synchronize neuronal network activity in forebrain structures.