Award details

The morphological basis of neural plasticity and learning in the mammalian CNS

Reference	S02085
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Mike Stewart
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Open University
Department	Life, Health & Chemical Sciences
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	148,384
Status	Completed
Type	Research Grant
Start date	01/11/1994
End date	01/11/1997
Duration	36 months

Abstract

Although much is known about the basic principles of information processing in neural networks, the neurobiological mechanisms of learning and memory are incompletely understood. As cognitive processing causes re-organisation in large assemblies of brain cells, an examination of neuronal populations involved in behavioural tasks presents a major challenge in neurobiology. The overall objective of this proposal is to determine the morphological basis of neural plasticity and learning in the mammalian CNS. The specific objectives are to use computerised microscopy and design based stereological techniques to examine, quantitatively, morphological changes in neuronal structures following a well defined behavioural task, and to compare these with changes observed in an experimental model of neural plasticity in vitro, where parameters of neuronal stimulation and activation of specific neural circuits can be very precisely defined and controlled. The experiments build on previous work using: (a) water escape task in rats, and (b) a well-established model of synaptic placticity, long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat hippocampus. The technology employed is based upon newly developed methodology for quantitative analyses of spatial cell structure using comprehensive statistical designs. The study will allow appreciation and comparison of learning-related and experimentally evoked changes, firstly in synaptic and sub-synaptic organisation, and secondly in the architecture of the arbors of specifically identified neurons. The data obtained will provide major insights into processes involved in memory formation.

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

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