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The role of vasopressin in olfactory processing

Reference	BB/F019009/1
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Mike Ludwig
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors	Professor Simone Meddle
Institution	University of Edinburgh
Department	Centre for Integrative Physiology
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	491,040
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	17/07/2008
End date	16/12/2011
Duration	41 months

Abstract

Pheromones, initially delivered to the olfactory systems, can act as social signals. These signals are modulated in higher brain regions by the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin to generate social recognition and behaviour. We recently discovered a population of vasopressin expressing cells in the periglumerular layer of the main and accessory olfactory bulb which appear to be a subpopulation of external tufted cells. We hypothesise that vasopressin is acting directly within the olfactory bulb and this proposal is aimed at understanding the role of vasopressin in mediating social behaviours at the first synapses after odour perception. Olfactory signalling is a topic of fundamental importance in neuroscience, and understanding peptide-dependant behaviours is of key importance for translating basic understanding into therapeutic goals. The project addresses contemporary questions in neuroscience using whole animal approaches including quantitative behavioural analysis and in vivo electrophysiology, in addition to electron microscopy, in situ hybridisation and immunocytochemistry.

Summary

The olfactory bulb is the part of the vertebrate forebrain that is involved in olfaction, the perception of odours. In this large and complex structure, olfactory signals from the nose are processed, and the results of this information processing are conveyed via the olfactory tract to brain areas involved with behavior and memory. That is why when we smell something, it often brings back memories associated with the object. Our work is focused on newly discovered nerve cells within the olfactory bulb that release the neuropeptide vasopressin. It is important to understand the role of vasopressin, because vasopressin acts in the brain to affect social behaviours, including social recognition, pair bonding, sexual behaviour and aggression. The aim of this proposal is to understand how vasopressin affects behaviour and memory within the olfactory bulb at the level of odour perception. Other nerve cells release peptides and they have effects on other emotions and behaviours and this has attracted wide attention because peptide mimetics may be valuable therapeutically for particular behavioural disorders.

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	Neuroscience and Behaviour
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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