January 28, 2009
100 Words
A key way the brain processes information is by the exchange of intricate chemical messages. These often depend on the precise localisation of receptors, which is difficult to determine by traditional means. I am attempting to apply a combination of scanning ion conductance microscopy, patch clamp electrophysiology and fluorescence to this problem. The initial target is the mechanism of depolarisation-induced potentiation of inhibition, a form of synaptic plasticity in the cerebellum. This is thought to be mediated by presynaptic NMDA receptors, but their location is disputed. If the approach works, it will also be applicable to many other questions.
Posted by matt at January 28, 2009 10:35 PM
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