Culture and regeneration of human neurons after brain surgery.

Cortical human brain tissue was obtained from 11 craniotomies for intractable epilepsy or tumor resection. Neuregen transport medium preserved viability at 4 degrees C during transfer to the culture laboratory. Cells were isolated and cultured by methods previously developed for adult rat neurons (Brewer GJ.

Evidence for decreased calcium dependent potassium conductance in hippocampal CA3 neurons of genetically epilepsy-prone rats.

The genetically epilepsy-prone rat (GEPR) has become an important model to study genetic predisposition to epilepsy involving not only the brainstem but also forebrain structures. Previous work in CA1 hippocampal cells showed a reduction in spike frequency adaptation and only subtle changes in slow afterhyperpolarization (AHP). As important differences exist in calcium dependent potentials in the CA1 and CA3 hippocampal cells, we compared the membrane properties of hippocampal CA3 cells in GEPRs and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.

Hippocampal CA1 neuronal properties in genetically epilepsy-prone rats: evidence for increased excitation.

The genetically epilepsy prone rats (GEPRs) are abnormally susceptible to seizures with a variety of treatments and can be used as a model to study generalized seizure predisposition involving the brainstem and forebrain structures. We investigated the basic membrane and synaptic properties of hippocampal CA1 cells in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats and GEPRs. Several differences in cellular properties were observed in the GEPRs.

Percutaneous catheter placement for cyst drainage in the subarachnoid space.

A technique for percutaneous catheter drainage of cystic masses in the subarachnoid space was developed and shown to be safe and effective in an 18-year-old boy with life-threatening, recurrent neuroenteric cysts that compressed the brain stem, cerebellum, and spinal cord. Percutaneous drainage through a C1-C2 approach was performed on 11 separate occasions. Decompression was always accomplished and no infection or other complication occurred, even with continuous catheter drainage for 9 months.

Chronic vagus nerve stimulation increases the latency of the thalamocortical somatosensory evoked potential.

The Neurocybernetic Prosthesis (NCP) is a pacemaker-like device that has been designed to provide chronic intermittent vagus nerve stimulation. It is currently under study for the treatment of refractory partial onset epilepsy, and preliminary studies have indicated that partial onset seizures are improved by this therapy. The mechanisms by which it exerts its antiepileptic effect are not well understood.