The general objective of this research proposal is to establish the role that voltage-gated ion channels located within dendritic arborizations have in determining the fundamental functions of neurons. A first step towards this objective is to establish exactly which types of voltage- gated ion channels are present in neuronal dendrites. This project will characterize the properties and distribution of dendritic voltage-gated K+ and hyperpolarization-activated (Ih) channels. Furthermore, the role that one of these channel populations (Ih channels) has in determining the basic electrical properties of CA1 dendrites will be directly investigated. Single K+ and Ih channel activity will be recorded directly from the dendrites of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons in order to rigorously describe their biophysical and pharmacological properties. Simultaneous dendritic and somatic whole-cell recordings will be used to investigate dendritic ih channel function. The information attained from these studies will vastly improve our understanding of the physiological signals that are generated in and propagate through neuronal dendrites. Furthermore, a more complete understanding of neuronal membrane excitability will aid in determining the basic mechanisms of such neuronal diseases as epilepsy, alzheimers disease and neurogenic hypertension.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
7R29NS035865-02
Application #
2609706
Study Section
Neurology B Subcommittee 2 (NEUB)
Program Officer
Baughman, Robert W
Project Start
1996-12-01
Project End
2001-11-30
Budget Start
1997-12-01
Budget End
1998-11-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Louisiana State University Hsc New Orleans
Department
Anatomy/Cell Biology
Type
Schools of Dentistry
DUNS #
782627814
City
New Orleans
State
LA
Country
United States
Zip Code
70112
Medinilla, Virginia; Johnson, Oralee; Gasparini, Sonia (2013) Features of proximal and distal excitatory synaptic inputs to layer V neurons of the rat medial entorhinal cortex. J Physiol 591:169-83
Gasparini, Sonia (2011) Distance- and activity-dependent modulation of spike back-propagation in layer V pyramidal neurons of the medial entorhinal cortex. J Neurophysiol 105:1372-9
Ascoli, Giorgio A; Gasparini, Sonia; Medinilla, Virginia et al. (2010) Local control of postinhibitory rebound spiking in CA1 pyramidal neuron dendrites. J Neurosci 30:6434-42