In vitro preparations are a powerful tool to explore the mechanisms and processes underlying epileptogenesis and ictogenesis. In this review, we critically review the numerous in vitro methodologies utilized in epilepsy research. We provide support for the inclusion of detailed descriptions of techniques, including often ignored parameters with unpredictable yet significant effects on study reproducibility and outcomes. In addition, we explore how recent developments in brain slice preparation relate to their use as models of epileptic activity.

Case Western Reserve University Cleveland Ohio U S A

Department of Developmental Epileptology Institute of Physiology Czech Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic

Department of Epilepsy Movement Disorders and Physiology Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine Sakyo ku Kyoto Japan

Department of Neurology College of Medicine and Hospital National Cheng Kung University Tainan Taiwan

Department of Neuroscience Tufts University School of Medicine Boston Massachusetts U S A

Departments of Neurology and Pediatrics University of Virginia Charlottesville Virginia U S A

Division of Cell Biology Department of Human Biology Neuroscience Institute University of Cape Town Cape Town South Africa

Epilepsy and Experimental Neurophysiology Unit The Foundation of the Carlo Besta Neurological Institute Milan Italy

Flocel Inc Cleveland Ohio U S A

Inserm Institut de Neurosciences des Systemes UMRS 1106 Aix Marseille University Marseille France

Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy Saul R Korey Department of Neurology Dominick P Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine Einstein Montefiore Epilepsy Center Montefiore Medical Center Bronx New York U S A

Neuroscience Research Center Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin Berlin Germany

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How do we use in vitro models to understand epileptiform and ictal activity? A report of the TASK1-WG4 group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force

A companion to the preclinical common data elements and case report forms for rodent EEG studies. A report of the TASK3 EEG Working Group of the ILAE/AES Joint Translational Task Force