Neurotoxicity occurs when a substance alters neuronal function, leading to seizures, cognitive decline, loss of motor function, or behavioral disturbances. Toxic substances may subtly alter neuron and network function prior to or even in the absence of cell death.
The Maestro MEA system has the sensitivity to measure single neuron firing and the electrode density to capture network level activity. With built-in environmental controls and non-invasive measurements of function and viability, the Maestro is ideal for acute and chronic assessments of compound risk.
Understanding mechanisms of seizures with in vitro models
Studying seizures requires innovative lab tools designed to accurately measure complex neural network function.
The Maestro MEA platform can recreate in vivo phenotypes of seizurogenic activity in vitro, allowing researchers to:
- Evaluate safety and predict risk
- Screen therapeutics and assess functional impacts
- Monitor and evaluate cultures over time and label-free
Discover how Axion’s live-cell analysis tools can streamline the drug development pipeline.
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AI-based MEA assay assesses drug-induced neurotoxicity and seizure risk in vitro>
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Measuring seizurogenic/proconvulsant risk>
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Multiplex cell viability and activity in the same well>
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Assay Steps>
Purpose: To evaluate seizurogenic potential of compounds. Numerous drugs are associated with adverse side effects, such as seizures and convulsions, advanced, functional assays are needed to predict seizure liability of drugs in vitro.
Mouse embryonic brain cells were treated with selected clinical compounds and analyzed via seizure viability prediction assay performed on the Maestro MEA platform. MEA data was analyzed using an artificial intelligence-based protocol.
Result: Compounds were correctly classified using the MEA-based seizure prediction assay. In vitro prediction model also demonstrated correlation with the results of an early clinical trial. [Bader, 2019]
