Investigating Action Potential Initiation And Propagation In Neurons Using Voltage-sensitive Dyes
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$317,076.00
Summary
Nerve impulses, or action potentials, are the fundamental electrical signals used by the nervous system for communication. Critical to an understanding of neuronal function is the knowledge of where these events are initiated and how they propagate. Furthermore, this knowledge is required for understanding what goes wrong under conditions where there is a disturbance in neuronal communication, as occurs in many neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Mechanisms Underlying Short- And Long-term Plasticity At The Mossy Fibre -> CA3 Synapse In The Hippocampus
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$272,750.00
Summary
Synapses, the contacts between brain cells, are extremely plastic. They can become stronger and weaker depending on the activity they experience. The hippocampus, a structure in the brain, is known to be critical to the formation of conscious memories. The plastic nature of the synapse in this structure is thought to underlie learning and memory. Understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for the changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus are therefore important to our understanding ....Synapses, the contacts between brain cells, are extremely plastic. They can become stronger and weaker depending on the activity they experience. The hippocampus, a structure in the brain, is known to be critical to the formation of conscious memories. The plastic nature of the synapse in this structure is thought to underlie learning and memory. Understanding the mechanisms that are responsible for the changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus are therefore important to our understanding of learning and memory. This proposal describes a series of experiments that are designed to determine the mechanisms of plastic changes . We hope, that by understanding these mechanisms, we can start to understand how we learn and remember.Read moreRead less
Synaptic Inhibition And The Control Of Excitability In The Rodent Piriform Cortex
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$459,738.00
Summary
We are studying the properties of neurons (nerve cells) and brain circuits that enable mammals to recognise and remember odours. Our experiments will focus on neurons in the odour-processing region of the cerebral cortex of mice. This work will answer fundamental questions about how the brain interprets sensory inputs in order to build a coherent picture of the external world. Our findings will also provide a deeper understanding of the causes of epilepsy, leading to improved treatments.
Factors Affecting The Conductance Of GABA(A) Channels
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$406,650.00
Summary
GABA(A) receptors provide most of the inhibition in the brain. If they are blocked, animals suffer from seizures and die. They are the target for a wide variety of medically useful drugs such as anaesthetics, tranquillisers such as valium and anti-epleptic drugs. All these drugs boost their effectiveness and increase inhibition in the brain. Most of them were discovered by chance. In this project, we will find out more about these receptors. This will give us more information about how the brain ....GABA(A) receptors provide most of the inhibition in the brain. If they are blocked, animals suffer from seizures and die. They are the target for a wide variety of medically useful drugs such as anaesthetics, tranquillisers such as valium and anti-epleptic drugs. All these drugs boost their effectiveness and increase inhibition in the brain. Most of them were discovered by chance. In this project, we will find out more about these receptors. This will give us more information about how the brain works and also help in the search for better, more selective drugs.Read moreRead less
Identification And Function Of Kv7-M-channels In Axons Of Cortical Neurons
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$324,930.00
Summary
Membrane proteins permeable to potassium ions provide an important break during hyperexcitability of nerve cells in the brain. In this proposal I will study the function of a unique member of potassium channel protein (the M-channel) located at key regions of nerve cells; the axon. The results will provide important insights into the elementary steps of nerve cell excitability, and a better understanding of M-channel related diseases including neonatal epilepsies and chronic nerve pain.