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Interplay of transmitter systems in the prefrontal cortex underlying the attention-enhancing effects of nicotine.

ReferenceBBS/B/15627
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Dr Mohammed Shoaib
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution Newcastle University
DepartmentNeurology Neurobiology and Psychiatry
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 255,485
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 14/10/2004
End date 13/02/2009
Duration52 months

Abstract

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the central executive of the brain: attentional processes are central to its function, and are enhanced by nicotine acting at nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR). Characterisation of the modulation of dopamine-glutamate interactions by nAChR subtypes in rat PFC will be integrated with a behavioural paradigm of nicotine-enhanced attention. The cognitive effects of nicotinic drugs on the 5-choice serial reaction time task (CSRTT) will be characterised by Shoaib¿s group in Newcastle; in vitro and in vivo neurotransmitter release and immunocytochemical localisation of nAChR will be carried out by Wonnacott¿s group in Bath. These studies will be underpinned by the provision of resources and technical expertise by GSK, Harlow, and will elucidate the role of nAChR subtypes in attentional processes and their potential as targets for cognitive enhancers. (Joint with BBS/B/15600).

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsNeuroscience and Behaviour, Pharmaceuticals
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative Integrative Analysis of Brain and Behaviour (IABB) [2003]
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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