Time-lapse sequence (5 MB QuickTime file) of calcium transients showing epileptiform activity in a rat hippocampal slice culture.  Neurons and glia in the slice were loaded with a fluorescent, intracellular calcium indicator dye, Fluo-3. Images were collected with a confocal microscope every 7 sec. Note the synchronized (epileptiform) neuronal activity, which appears as horizontal flashing bands. The bright twinkling cells are astrocytes. The flashing bands (epileptiform activity) appear first, followed by the astrocyte twinkling, which subsides before the flashing bands reappear again. SP=stratum pyramidale, or layer of pyramidal neuron cell bodies.

Movie by Mike Dailey.

Links to movies:

1) Epileptiform activity in hippocampal slice culture (see Dailey ME, Smith SJ, 1994).

Link to smaller QT movie file (5 MB)

Link to bigger QT movie file (15 MB)

2) Spontaneous non-synchronized calcium spikes in developing CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons (see Lichtman, 1994).

Link to AVI movie file (25 MB)

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