By studying the brain in live and behaving subjects, we obtain fundamental insight into the neural basis of natural behaviors. Such basic biology research is essential as the fundamental underpinning for understanding brain function when compromised by disease or injury. In this proposal we will investigate the brain mechanisms for modulating the flow of sensory information to the cerebral cortex, where perception occurs. With only minor exceptions, all sensory signals are relayed to cortex through a brain structure called the thalamus. Other parts of the brain modulate thalamic throughput by specific kinds of projections or neurotransmitters. Depending on the """"""""tone"""""""" of these various inputs, the thalamus switches between two different modes of relay. One mode relays sensory information very faithfully;whereas, the other distorts or disconnects the relayed information. The faithful """"""""tonic mode"""""""" predominates during wakefulness and the other """"""""burst mode"""""""" predominates during deep sleep. The nature of the transition between these two modes in the living animal is currently not well understood, and will be investigated here. A major source of influence for this state-related tone comes from a brainstem structure called the parabrachial region (PER) that uses the special neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In order to understand this """"""""gate keeper"""""""" action better, we intend to manipulate the activity in the PBR experimentally while observing the effect in the visual relay nucleus of the thalamus, the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). Essentially, we will use the visual system to understand how the PBR """"""""arouses"""""""" the thalamus. The health relatedness of this research is that study of how the normal, healthy brain works is how we come to understand the human condition in health and in illness.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01EY015870-03S1
Application #
7847847
Study Section
Cognitive Neuroscience Study Section (COG)
Program Officer
Steinmetz, Michael A
Project Start
2006-09-30
Project End
2010-08-31
Budget Start
2009-06-01
Budget End
2010-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$8,903
Indirect Cost
Name
Georgetown University
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
049515844
City
Washington
State
DC
Country
United States
Zip Code
20057