A5005958509- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Prenatal Substance Exposure Effects
- Memory and Neural Mechanisms
- Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies
- Neonatal and fetal brain pathology
- Birth, Development, and Health
- Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Neurotransmitter Receptor Influence on Behavior
- Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Resilience and Mental Health
- Epigenetics and DNA Methylation
- Fatty Acid Research and Health
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Traumatic Brain Injury Research
- Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Circadian rhythm and melatonin
- Youth Development and Social Support
- Adipose Tissue and Metabolism
- Neurobiology and Insect Physiology Research
- Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
University of Victoria
2014-2022
University of Warwick
2017
Hong Kong Polytechnic University
2016
Chinese University of Hong Kong
2016
University of Hong Kong
2016
Memorial University of Newfoundland
2012-2014
Institute of Biomedical Science
2014
Abstract Astroglial type‐1 cannabinoid (CB 1 ) receptors are involved in synaptic transmission, plasticity and behavior by interfering with the so‐called tripartite synapse formed pre‐ post‐synaptic neuronal elements surrounding astrocyte processes. However, little is known concerning subcellular distribution of astroglial CB receptors. In particular, brain mostly localized at cells' plasmalemma, but recent evidence indicates their functional presence mitochondrial membranes. Whether present...
cFos activation in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) occurs early odor preference learning rat pups ( Roth and Sullivan 2005 ). Here we provide evidence that pairing of as a conditioned stimulus β-adrenergic aPC an unconditioned generates learning. β-Adrenergic blockade prevents normal Enhancement cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation trained hemispheres is consistent with role for this cascade aPC. In vitro experiments suggested theta-burst-mediated long-term...
The endocannabinoid system modulates synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, but a link between long-term and type 1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor at medial perforant path (MPP) synapses remains elusive. Here, immuno-electron microscopy adult mice showed that ∼26% of excitatory terminals middle 1/3 dentate molecular layer (DML) contained CB1 receptors, field postsynaptic potentials evoked by MPP stimulation were inhibited activation. In addition, 10 Hz for min triggered receptor-dependent...
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability that can be traced to a single gene mutation. This disorder caused by hypermethylation Fmr1 gene, which impairs translation Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP). In knockout (KO) mice, loss FMRP has been shown negatively impact adult hippocampal neurogenesis, and contribute learning, memory, emotional deficits. Conversely, physical exercise enhance cognitive performance, state, increase neurogenesis. current...
The present study examines synaptic plasticity in the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) using ex vivo slices from rat pups given lateralized odor preference training. In early learning model, a brief 10 min training session yields 24 h memory, while four daily sessions yield 48 memory. Odor memory can be through naris occlusion as commissure is not yet functional. AMPA receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses aPC to lateral olfactory tract input, shown enhanced at h, are no longer after single...
Here we demonstrate metaplastic effect of a change in NMDA receptor (NMDAR) number the anterior piriform cortex (aPC) rat induced by 10 min pairing peppermint odor + stroking, which significantly modifies later learning and memory. Using isolated synaptoneurosomes, found NR1 downregulation 3 h after training upregulation at 24 h. Consistent with pattern, NMDAR-mediated EPSP was smaller larger Subunit composition unchanged. Whereas LTP reduced both times training, LTD facilitated only...
Abstract Binge drinking (BD) is a common pattern of ethanol (EtOH) consumption by adolescents. The brain effects the acute EtOH exposure are well‐studied; however, long‐lasting cognitive and neurobehavioral consequences BD during adolescence only beginning to be elucidated. Environmental enrichment (EE) has long been known for its benefits on may serve as potential supportive therapy following exposure. In this study, we hypothesized that EE have deficits associated with consumption....
Background The hippocampus is particularly vulnerable to the teratogenic effects of prenatal ethanol exposure (PNEE), and hippocampal structural functional deficits are thought contribute learning memory that a hallmark feature fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Methods Sprague Dawley dams were exposed liquid diet contained EtOH (35.5% EtOH‐derived calories) throughout gestation, then, PNEE juvenile (P21‐28) male female offspring used for in vitro electrophysiological recordings. We examined...
Cannabinoid receptors are widely expressed throughout the hippocampal formation, but particularly dense in dentate gyrus (DG) subregion. We, and others, have shown mice that cannabinoid type 1 (CB1Rs) involved a long-term depression (LTD) can be induced by prolonged 10 Hz stimulation of medial perforant path (MPP)-granule cell synaptic input to DG. Here, we extend this work examine involvement CB1Rs other common forms LTD hippocampus juvenile male female Sprague–Dawley rats ( Rattus...
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by prenatal exposure to ethanol and has been linked neurodevelopmental impairments. Alcohol the potential alter some of epigenetic components that play a critical role during development. Previous studies have provided evidence results in abnormal patterns (i.e., hypomethylation) genome. The aim this study was determine how rats affects hippocampal levels expression two important brain transcriptional regulators involved synaptic plasticity...
Choline is an essential nutrient under evaluation as a cognitive enhancing treatment for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in clinical trials. As result, there increased pressure to identify therapeutic mechanism(s) of action. not only precursor several cell membrane components and signaling molecules but also has the potential directly affect synaptic mechanisms that are believed important processes. In current work, we study how direct application choline can transmission dentate...
Introduction Family dysfunction can test the resilience of adolescents, specifically those from single parent families and attending schools in more socio-economically challenged areas. Objectives To determine what factors are associated with for or attend Aims examine role emotional regulation self-esteem as putative context parents status socioeconomic disadvantage. Methods Secondary school pupils dual aged 13 to 15 answered questionnaires at three time points on: regulation, self-esteem,...
Rat pups during a critical postnatal period (≤ 10 days) readily form preference for an odor that is associated with stimuli mimicking maternal care. Such memory can last from hours, to days, even life-long, depending on training parameters. Early learning provides us model in which the changes natural of occur olfactory circuitry. An additional feature makes it powerful tool analysis processes early be lateralized via single naris occlusion within period. This due lack mature anterior...
Introduction Previous research suggests that adult anxiety disorders begin in adolescence and the transition from primary school to secondary is first challenge many young adolescents face, which could test their resilience for time. Objectives To examine students’ scores before after transition, what protective risk factors are present during this challenge. Aims determine how can impact children, if help decrease disruption cause. Methods One hundred eighty-four pupils completed...
Rat pups during a critical postnatal period (≤ 10 days) readily form preference for an odor that is associated with stimuli mimicking maternal care. Such memory can last from hours, to days, even life-long, depending on training parameters. Early learning provides us model in which the changes natural of occur olfactory circuitry. An additional feature makes it powerful tool analysis processes early be lateralized via single naris occlusion within period. This due lack mature anterior...