Lucy Gee

• Msci Biomedical Sciences
• Mechanisms of seizure generation in a mouse model of tumour-associated epilepsy

Glioma is the most common form of cancerous brain tumour in adults, representing 81% of all malignant brain tumours. It often causes seizures, affecting between 29-75% of patients depending on the grade of the tumour. Although tumour-associated epilepsy (TAE) significantly affects the quality of life of these patients, the factors that lead to the onset of seizures are poorly understood. There are many theories including differences in tumour size or changes to the cell populations around the tumour. In this project a mouse model of TAE has been used to investigate cell population changes by fluorescent staining techniques the results of which were analysed by both cell counting software and manually. Despite some variation, of the cell populations studied none showed statistically significant differences between seizure and non-seizure groups. These results will inform the debate on the mechanisms underlying TAE, helping to develop future treatment for patients.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Elizabeth Stoll