With the introduction of molecular
approaches into the field of
neuroscience an
unexpected variety of receptor and ion channel subtypes have been
discovered within the central nervous system. The
relevance of
these findings for the function of neuronal networks is still unclear.
In a close
combination of studies at the cellular and systems level our laboratory
examines
how diversity at the cellular level may lead to patterned activity at
the
network level.
In order to analyze the cellular mechanisms in rhythm generating neural networks, we employ the currently available electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques. Over the past decade we have analyzed cellular mechanisms in neuronal networks that generate rhythmic motor activity in invertebrates and vertebrates. Our current work focuses on the analysis of the in vitro respiratory network in mice. For this purpose we isolate
acutely the respiratory network in a transverse plane of the mouse medulla. This brainstem slice
preparation contains the essential medullary structures involved in cardio-respiratory control and even
after the in vitro isolation generates rhythmic activity in rats and mice of all developmental stages (up to
an age of 25 postnatal days). Our experiments indicate e.g. that the hypoxic response, fast chloride
mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission, calcium channels and modulatory processes change
postnatally within the respiratory network. Due to the importance of the respiratory system for the
survival of any mammal, progress in this field will not only have important scientific, but also clinical implications (e.g. understanding the underlying causes of sleep apnea, periodic breathing, CCHS and
sudden infant death syndrome "SIDS").
Our research in rhythm generating neural networks has also led to studying the cortex and the oscillatory behavior involved in epileptogenesis. In collaboration with the Pediatric Neurology department, here at
the University of Chicago, we have been able to use electorophysiological and immunohistochemical
means to characterize the behavior and morphology of neurons from within and outside of seizure foci.
These experiments have the potential to have immediate clinical benefits. For example, neuroscientists
in our lab treated a seizing section of resected brain tissue from a child with intractable epilepsy with a
variety of anti-epileptic drugs in order to determine which drug would be most efficacious. Unfortunately, after surgery, the child still experienced seizures. The physicians administered the drug found in the lab
to be optimal for this patient. This child is now seizure free.
Website Design: Helen Xenos
Last Updated by: Helen Xenos
Last Updated: May 21, 2004
In order to analyze the cellular mechanisms in rhythm generating neural networks, we employ the currently available electrophysiological and immunohistochemical techniques. Over the past decade we have analyzed cellular mechanisms in neuronal networks that generate rhythmic motor activity in invertebrates and vertebrates. Our current work focuses on the analysis of the in vitro respiratory network in mice. For this purpose we isolate
acutely the respiratory network in a transverse plane of the mouse medulla. This brainstem slice
preparation contains the essential medullary structures involved in cardio-respiratory control and even
after the in vitro isolation generates rhythmic activity in rats and mice of all developmental stages (up to
an age of 25 postnatal days). Our experiments indicate e.g. that the hypoxic response, fast chloride
mediated inhibitory synaptic transmission, calcium channels and modulatory processes change
postnatally within the respiratory network. Due to the importance of the respiratory system for the
survival of any mammal, progress in this field will not only have important scientific, but also clinical implications (e.g. understanding the underlying causes of sleep apnea, periodic breathing, CCHS and
sudden infant death syndrome "SIDS").
Our research in rhythm generating neural networks has also led to studying the cortex and the oscillatory behavior involved in epileptogenesis. In collaboration with the Pediatric Neurology department, here at
the University of Chicago, we have been able to use electorophysiological and immunohistochemical
means to characterize the behavior and morphology of neurons from within and outside of seizure foci.
These experiments have the potential to have immediate clinical benefits. For example, neuroscientists
in our lab treated a seizing section of resected brain tissue from a child with intractable epilepsy with a
variety of anti-epileptic drugs in order to determine which drug would be most efficacious. Unfortunately, after surgery, the child still experienced seizures. The physicians administered the drug found in the lab
to be optimal for this patient. This child is now seizure free.
Website Design: Helen Xenos
Last Updated by: Helen Xenos
Last Updated: May 21, 2004