Figure 1.

Methodological parameters for in vitro models of seizures and epilepsy. The preparation of in vitro models of seizures and epilepsy involve multiple parameters, which may influence the validity and reliability of scientific findings. The species, age, strain and sex of experimental animals to be utilized should be carefully considered before beginning experiments. Animals should be appropriately housed taking careful note of socialization, lighting, temperature and environmental enrichment. The time of collection and mode of transport of animals prior to experimentation are important variables, which should be reported where possible. We suggest that the type, route and dose of anesthesia prior to decapitation be well documented and standardized across experiments. The selection of or exemption from anesthetic use prior to decapitation should be carefully determined and justified by prior literature, the experimental goals, and be in compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines. Multiple different preparations may be used for in vitro studies of seizures and epilepsy including whole brain, whole hippocampus, acute and organotypic brain slices. When preparing brain slices, investigators should consider optimizing cutting solutions and the z-axis deflection of vibratomes in order to maximize slice health. Multiple techniques exist for monitoring and manipulating in vitro epileptiform activity. Investigators should carefully monitor and report the temperature, pH, osmolarity and ionic composition of recording solutions as these variables have marked effects on the emergence and nature of in vitro epileptiform activity.