The objective of this proposal is to expand research capabilities and opportunities in physiology, including neuroscience, at Meharry Medical College. This expansion will center on a multifaceted research and training program organized along the theme of cellular communication. The proposed research-centered program will focus on fundamental questions associated with communication within and among cells. The proposed program aims to accomplish the following: 1) To enhance the development of a core neurochemistry laboratory equipped to handle such neurochemical procedures as cellular/subcellular fractionations and in vivo sampling, neuroactive substance delivery, and sensitive quantitative analysis; 2) To contribute to the improvement of a research environment conducive to effective collaborative interactions; and 3) To provide additional training opportunities for minority graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. Four detailed projects are presented as core cellular communication projects. These core projects will be heavily served by the expanded core neurochemistry laboratory. Additional brief project descriptions are included as further examples of research to be served by the expanded core neurochemistry laboratory.
