Dougherty, Kelly A.Siddiq, Bilal S.DaRosa, Andrew M.Evans, Madeline C.Gaudio, Elizabeth C.Mysiewicz, Steven C.Renna, Catelyn M. (Catie)Shamambo, Maleelo (Lelo)Velrajan, Srilakshmi (Sri)Van Vliet, TrevorYu, Shuliang (Mogy)2018-05-142018-05-142018-04-27http://hdl.handle.net/10267/33461Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Researching epilepsy requires animal models, as the brain manipulation required to understand epileptogenic activity is not possible in humans. Extracellular recordings measure network level activation in slice models of epilepsy. A magnesium-free solution is often used in slice physiology to increase excitation, through enhanced glutamate receptor activity. Magnesium blocks the activation of glutamate receptors via binding near the pore region. Magnesium also lowers calcium’s ability to initiate presynaptic neurotransmitter release. We aim to elucidate the mechanisms of a dorsal neuro-protective system, which reduces the excitability of dorsal hippocampal tissue with age. While the mechanisms underlying the magnesium-free model are well established, the effects of this model across the longitudinal axis of the hippocampus and throughout development have not been clearly characterized. We studied the effects of the magnesium-free model through extracellular field recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons from dorsal and ventral hippocampal slices throughout development, and found young, dorsal hippocampal tissue to be the most excitable. Additionally, our data suggests the effect of no magnesium is minimal in ventral slices. These data support the theory of the dorsal protection system being critical in the reduction of excitability seen with age.Rhodes College owns the rights to the archival digital images in this repository. Images are made available for educational use only and may not be used for any non-educational or commercial purpose. Approved educational uses include private research and scholarship, teaching, and student projects. For additional information please contact archives@rhodes.edu. Fees may apply.URCASSymposiumsStudent research2018 SpringClass of 2020Class of 2018Class of 2019Biology, Department of