This Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) project will use two subprojects to study how chemical agents such as imidazoindole derivatives influence the synaptic sites of the cholinergic system. One subproject will focus on the mechanism of how ACh receptors become more sensitve to ACh and/or agonist. The other subproject will analyze mechanisms whereby potassium ions regulate calcium ions in the mediated release of ACh from the presynaptic nerve terminals. Both subprojects will use electrophysiological techniques to gain new knowledge on cholinergic mechanisms. The clarification of cholinergic mechanisms will provide opportunities for Meharry Medical College to improve its research capability. The investigators are well-trained and have published in good refereed journals. Faculty and students involved in this project will have their research skills strengthened by their use of electrophysiological procedures.
