Award details

Somatostatin receptors and brain function

Reference	BBS/E/B/47916367
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Piers Emson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	20,926
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/10/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	30 months

Abstract

This project aims to explore the function of somatostatin in the CNS by making and examining mice deficient in various isoforms of the somatostatin receptor. Mice are being produced in the Institute and this studentship will examine these in detail using anatomical, pharmacological and behavioural tests. Somatostatin was originally discovered as growth hormone release inhibitory factor, however subsequent work has shown that this neuropeptide is widely distributed in the CNS and may play a role in cognitive function and pain perception as well as functioning as a hypothalamic releasing factor. In the Institute in collaboration with Glaxo-Wellcome null mutant mice are being made for various somatostatin receptors. This studentship will use available tools in situ pulses/antibodies to characterise KO mice as they are developed. Pharmacological assays for receptor function (or lack of it) will be carried out in the Glaxo Institute of Applied Pharmacology, University Department of Pharmacology. The student will have the opportunity to create their own KO mouse and also to attempt to clone a human variant of one of the isoforms. The project provides a broad training in modern cellular and biological techniques.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
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

I accept the terms and conditions of use (opens in new window)

export PDF file

back to list new search