A Six-step Approach to Gain Higher Quality Results From ‎Organotypic Hippocampal Brain Slices in a Traumatic Brain ‎Injury Model

Background: Organotypic Hippocampal Brain Slices (OHBS) provide a better alternative to in vivo models to scrutinize Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). We followed a well-established TBI protocol but noticed that several factors might influence the results in such a set-up. Here, we describe a structured approach to generate more comparable results and discuss why specific eligibility criteria should be applied. Methods: We defined necessary checkpoints and developed inclusion and exclusion criteria that took into consideration the observed variation in such a model. Objective measures include the identification and exclusion of pre-damaged slices and outliers. In this study, six steps were outlined. Results: A six-step approach to enhance comparability is proposed and summarized in a flowchart. We applied the suggested measures to data derived from our TBI-experiments, examining the impact of three different interventions in 1459 OHBS. Our exemplary results show that more precise findings are ensured through equal requirements set for all slices. Conclusion: Results in a TBI experiment on OHBS should be critically analyzed as inhomogeneity may occur. In other words, a structured approach to comparing the results should be followed to ensure achieving more precise findings. Further research is recommended to confirm and further develop this framework.