Effects of Drugs on Cognition-Related Brain Wave Signals in the Rat

Project Details

It is increasingly recognized that the rhythmic signals recorded with the electroencephalogram (EEG), or“brain waves” are not just the “noise” of neural activity, but are probably frequency specific channels through which cognition related signalling occurs, including memory encoding. High frequency (“gamma”) brainwave activity has been associated with cognitive activity in humans and animals, and is disrupted in psychosis and schizophrenia. A largely neglected area of study in this area is the role of voltage-gated ion channels that have a significant role in the generation of neuronal and network rhythmicity. In this project, signals related to cognitiveprocessing, including gamma frequency oscillations and place cells will be recorded with microelectrodearrays. The effects of antipsychotic drugs and some related compounds, including potassium and sodium channel modulators, will be examined.

Primary Supervisor

Dr Chris French

frenchc@unimelb.edu.au

+61 3 8344 3276

Opportunity

PhD, Masters by Research, Honours, Master of Biomedical Science

Department

Department of Medicine and Radiology,
Royal Melbourne Hospital