Use of Ca²⁺ Oscillations in Primary Neuron Culture: A New HTS Model for Neuronal Diseases

Ca2+ oscillations play a physiologic role in the central nervous system and are thus involved in the study of neurological disorders. When neurons are cultured in high density in low magnesium concentration, they enter a stable firing mode mimicking epilepsy. This model, widely used in academic research, had not been characterized before in a 384 well format for MTS. This study demonstrates that AEDs are active in this assay, thus confirming its relevance in MTS. Moreover, further tests show that this model can be used to study basic anticonvulsant MOAs.