The goal of this project is to identify molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying sensitization to repeated stimuli, as occurs during recurrent stress and kindled seizures. Studies focus on candidate genes such as stress-related hormones, to determine if they play a role in sensitiza- tion of the limbic system. The physiological utility of co-expression of neuropeptides with classic neurotransmitters (e.g., CRF and NPY with GABA) will be explored in collaborative studies, using extracellular and patch-clamp recording methods. Experiments are also planned utilizing antisense oligonucleotides to block expression of specific nerve growth factors to determine if they play a role in the neural plasticity that occurs both in kindling and recurrent stress.
