Epilepsy In Vitro Assay Service

Our advanced in vitro epilepsy assays provide a streamlined approach to evaluating drug efficacy against epileptic seizures. This service facilitates rapid, early-stage screening, minimizing animal testing and maximizing research efficiency and safety, ultimately accelerating your drug development pipeline. Creative Biolabs provides a comprehensive suite of advanced in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo assays, enabling researchers to precisely investigate the complex mechanisms driving epilepsy pathogenesis.

Available Models Available Assays

Available In Vitro Models

Cell models	Details
Hippocampal Slice Model	The hippocampal slice model is a widely used in vitro tool for epilepsy research. By exposing rat or human hippocampal tissue slices to low-magnesium media or specific pharmacological agents (e.g., 4-AP, pilocarpine), researchers can induce epileptiform discharges, mimicking the electrophysiological hallmarks of seizures. This model is invaluable for studying the molecular mechanisms of epilepsy and evaluating drug efficacy.
Human Cell-Derived Models	Unlock the power of human cell-derived models for your epilepsy research. Our human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived neurons offer a physiologically relevant platform for studying epilepsy. These neurons, differentiated with rigorous protocols, can be integrated into MEA systems and other culture formats, enabling you to model the intricate complexities of human epilepsy. Leverage this cutting-edge technology for new drug discovery and in-depth mechanistic studies, driving your research forward with human-relevant data.
Glutamate-induced Toxicity Cell Model	The glutamate-induced toxicity cell model provides a valuable in vitro platform for investigating the mechanisms of oxidative stress and neuronal death implicated in epilepsy. By exposing neuronal cell cultures to glutamate, researchers can simulate the excitotoxic conditions associated with seizures. This model allows for the detailed analysis of cellular pathways leading to neuronal damage. For example, researchers can utilize real-time PCR to quantify changes in KLF4 gene expression, revealing its potential role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
Co-culture and Complex Cell Model	Advance your epilepsy research with our sophisticated co-culture and complex cell models. Our astrocyte-microglia co-culture system allows you to delve into the critical role of glial cells in epilepsy pathology, specifically examining the impact of inflammatory factor release on neuronal function. For a more comprehensive approach, our tri-culture model, incorporating neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, provides a closer approximation of the in vivo microenvironment. This model is ideal for studying intricate processes like synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation, offering unparalleled insights into the complexities of epilepsy.

Case Study: Glutamate-induced excitotoxicity changes astrocyte and microglia morphology

Simultaneously, the tri-culture model revealed astrocyte and microglia morphological alterations brought on by glutamate-induced excitotoxicity.

Fig. 1 Representative images of primary tri-culture model. (Creative Biolabs Original) Fig.1 Representative images of primary tri-culture, GFAP (astrocyte marker) and Iba1 (microglia marker). Images acquired using Zeiss LSM 980. lmage quantifications were carried out using a customized software pipeline and graphs were generated with GraphPad Prism.

Available Epilepsy In Vitro Services

Patch Clamp Electrophysiology

Patch clamp technology provides a powerful means to directly assess the target effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). By precisely measuring changes in sodium and potassium channel currents, researchers can determine how AEDs modulate neuronal excitability at the cellular level. This technique is crucial for understanding the mechanisms of drug action and optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Dynamic Network Analysis: Calcium Imaging and MEA Recordings

Calcium imaging and multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings offer real-time monitoring of synchronous discharge activity within neural networks. These techniques provide a dynamic view of seizure-like events, allowing researchers to quantify the frequency and duration of epileptic bursts. This comprehensive analysis of network activity is essential for evaluating the efficacy of novel anticonvulsants and understanding the propagation of seizures.

Molecular Profiling

Combining enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) enables comprehensive molecular profiling in epilepsy research. This approach allows for the precise quantification of key biomarkers, including glutamate and GABA levels, inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α, and the expression of epilepsy-related genes. By analyzing these molecular signatures, researchers can gain valuable insights into the pathophysiology of epilepsy and identify potential therapeutic targets.

For further information regarding the products and services provided, project-specific consultation, and pricing, please submit an inquiry here.

For Research Use Only. Not For Clinical Use.

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