Transplantation of M213-2O cells with enhanced GAD67 expression into the inferior colliculus alters audiogenic seizures.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of GABA-producing cell transplants on audiogenic seizures (AGS). The M213-2O cell line was derived from fetal rat striatum and has GABAergic properties. This cell line was further modified to express human GAD(67) and produce elevated levels of GABA. The present study compares the effects of parent M213-2O cell transplants with those of GAD(67)-modified M213-2O cells in AGS-prone Long-Evans rats. Two weeks following implantation of engineered cells, latency to AGS-typical wild running was increased compared to nonimplanted subjects. Survival of the transplanted cells was confirmed by immunochemical labeling of GAD(67) and Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen. These findings support the use of GABA-producing cell lines to modify seizure activity.