A5030192413- Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
- Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms
- Ion channel regulation and function
- Neural dynamics and brain function
- Photoreceptor and optogenetics research
- Neuroscience and Neural Engineering
- Connexins and lens biology
- Receptor Mechanisms and Signaling
- Nitric Oxide and Endothelin Effects
- Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
- Eicosanoids and Hypertension Pharmacology
- Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Study
- Barrier Structure and Function Studies
- Alzheimer's disease research and treatments
- Axon Guidance and Neuronal Signaling
- Mitochondrial Function and Pathology
- Immune Response and Inflammation
- Memory and Neural Mechanisms
- Adenosine and Purinergic Signaling
- Neuroscience of respiration and sleep
- Immune cells in cancer
- Neurological Disease Mechanisms and Treatments
- Retinal Development and Disorders
- Tryptophan and brain disorders
- RNA regulation and disease
University of British Columbia
2016-2025
Vancouver Coastal Health
2017-2023
University of Calgary
1995-2022
National Brain Research Centre
2011
Child Trends
2010
Western University
2008
Southern Research Institute
2007
Heritage Foundation
2001
Foundation for Medical Research
2001
New Orleans Public Library
1998
Neuronal excitotoxicity during stroke is caused by activation of unidentified large-conductance channels, leading to swelling and calcium dysregulation. We show that ischemic-like conditions [O 2 /glucose deprivation (OGD)] open hemichannels, or half gap junctions, in neurons. Hemichannel opening was indicated a large linear current flux across the membrane small fluorescent molecules. Single-channel openings hemichannels (530 picosiemens) were observed OGD. Both dye blocked inhibitors...
Pannexin-1 (Px1) is expressed at postsynaptic sites in pyramidal neurons, suggesting that these hemichannels contribute to dendritic signals associated with synaptic function. We found that, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activation induced a secondary prolonged current and dye flux were blocked specific inhibitory peptide against Px1 hemichannels; knockdown of by RNA interference the cultured neurons. Enhancing endogenous NMDAR brain slices removing external magnesium ions (Mg2+)...
The electrophysiological properties of glial cells were examined in primary culture the presence tetraethylammonium and Ba 2+ , a treatment that reduces K + permeability membrane enhances currents through voltage-dependent Ca channels. Under these conditions, showed both spontaneous action potentials evoked by injections current. These responses appear to represent entry channels because they resistant tetrodotoxin but blocked Mn or Cd2+.
Intracellular recordings from pairs of neurons in slices rat hippocampus directly demonstrated electrotonic coupling between CA3 pyramidal cells. When two were impaled simultaneously (as verified by subsequent double staining with horseradish peroxidase), current pulses injected into one cell caused voltage changes other These interactions bidirectional. Fast prepotentials, historically thought to represent spike activity dendrites, resulted action potentials electrotonically coupled data...
Microglia are morphologically dynamic cells that rapidly extend their processes in response to various stimuli including extracellular ATP. In this study, we tested the hypothesis stimulation of neuronal NMDARs trigger ATP release leading communication with microglia. We used acute mouse hippocampal brain slices and two-photon laser scanning microscopy study microglial dynamics developed a novel protocol for fixation immunolabeling microglia processes. Similar direct topical application...
Microglia are highly motile cells that continuously monitor the brain environment and respond to damage-associated cues. While glucose is main energy substrate used by neurons in brain, nutrients metabolized microglia support surveillance of parenchyma remain unexplored. Here, we use fluorescence lifetime imaging intracellular NAD(P)H time-lapse two-photon microglial dynamics vivo situ, show unique aspects metabolic signature brain. metabolically flexible can rapidly adapt consume glutamine...
Microglia, the brain's immune cells, maintain homeostasis and sense pathological changes by continuously surveying parenchyma with highly motile large processes. Here, we demonstrate that microglia also use thin actin-dependent filopodia allow fast nanoscale sensing within discrete regions. Filopodia are distinct from processes their size, speed, regulation mechanism. Increasing cyclic AMP (cAMP) activating norepinephrine Gs-coupled receptors, applying nitric oxide, or inhibiting...
Imaging analysis techniques were used to examine changes in the intrinsic optical properties hippocampal brain slices that occurred during synaptic activity evoked by Schaffer collateral stimulation CA1. Repetitive was associated with an increase light transmission region stratum radiatum. The effect seen at wavelengths of between 450 and 800 nm but greater amplitude longer wavelengths. Blocking either Ca(2+)-free EGTA perfusate or kynurenic acid (an excitatory amino antagonist) blocked...
Leukocyte infiltration in the CNS after trauma or inflammation is triggered part by upregulation of chemokine, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), astrocytes. However signals that induce MCP-1 astrocytes are unknown. We have investigated roles for ATP P2X7 receptor activation because an intercellular signaling transmitter released both and receptors involved immune system signaling. Astrocytes primary cell culture acutely isolated from hippocampus were immunopositive receptors. In...