Background: Millions of people struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Abrupt abstinence after a period of chronic alcohol use can precipitate the alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS), which includes hyperexcitability and, potentially, seizures. We have shown that T-type Ca channels are novel, sensitive targets of alcohol, an effect that is dependent upon protein kinase C (PKC).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAlcohol Clin Exp Res (Hoboken)
February 2023
Background: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) results from the sudden cessation of chronic alcohol use and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Alcohol withdrawal-induced central nervous system (CNS) hyperexcitability results from complex, compensatory changes in synaptic efficacy and intrinsic excitability. These changes in excitability counteract the depressing effects of chronic ethanol on neural transmission and underlie symptoms of AWS, which range from mild anxiety to seizures and death.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMagnetoencephalography measures neuromagnetic activity with high temporal, and theoretically, high spatial resolution. We developed an experimental platform combining MEG-compatible optogenetic techniques in nonhuman primates for use as a functional brain-mapping platform. Here we show localization of optogenetically evoked signals to known sources in the superficial arcuate sulcus of cortex and in CA3 of hippocampus at a resolution of 750 µm.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOptogenetic proteins are powerful tools for advancing our understanding of neural circuitry. However, the precision of optogenetics is dependent in part on the extent to which expression is limited to cells of interest. The Thy1-ChR2 transgenic mouse is commonly used in optogenetic experiments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Neurosci Methods
April 2014
Background: Performing optogenetic experiments in a behaving animal presents a unique technical challenge. In order to provide an optical path between a fixed light source and a chronically implanted fiber in a freely moving animal, a typical experimental setup includes a detachable connection between the light source and the head of the animal, as well as a rotary joint to relieve torsional stress during movement.
New Method: We have combined the functionality of the head mounted connector and the rotary joint into a single integrated device that is inexpensive, simple to build, and easy to use.
Previous studies have demonstrated a deficiency in mitochondrial function in Parkinson's disease. We measured the ability of mitochondrial inhibitors of complexes I (rotenone, MPP(+), and HPP(+)), II (amdro), IV (Na cyanide), and an uncoupler (dinoseb) to release preloaded dopamine from murine striatal synaptosomes. These compounds were potent dopamine releasers, and the effect was calcium-dependent.
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