The proposed research-will use the technique of single-unit recording to examine the characteristics of neurons within the postsubiculum and limbic thalamic nuclei. Specifically, the properties of """"""""Head Direction"""""""" cells will be examined. These cells respond only when an animal orients it's head in a specific direction (e.g., a cell may only fire when an animal points its head to the northeast) regardless of the animals absolute position in an apparatus. It is hypothesized that these cells play a significant role in spatial abilities. The experiments in this proposal will examine two basic issues with regard to head-direction cells: First, what type of navigational information determines head- direction cell activity? Second, do head-direction cells exhibit additional behavioral correlates (e.g., responses to stimulus presentation, goal approach, or reward) when examined in various behavioral paradigms? The experiments designed to answer these questions will provide a further understanding specifically of the determinants of head-direction cells activity, and in general, of neural bases for spatial abilities.
| Brown, A S; Hembree, W C; Friedman, J H et al. (1995) The gonadal axis in men with schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 57:231-9 |
