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The pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus and sustained attention

ReferenceS18381
Principal Investigator / Supervisor Professor Philip Winn
Co-Investigators /
Co-Supervisors
Institution University of St Andrews
DepartmentPsychology
Funding typeResearch
Value (£) 369,932
StatusCompleted
TypeResearch Grant
Start date 01/04/2003
End date 30/09/2006
Duration42 months

Abstract

Experiments will test the hypothesis that the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg) is important in sustained attention. (i) We will compare and contrast deficits in sustained attention after bilateral lesions of PPTg, the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (which is adjacent to PPTg and closely related to it) and the nucleus basalis of Meynert (known to be involved in sustained attention). Psychopharmacological experiments will determine whether or not cholinergic neurons in all of these structures regulate sustained attention. (ii) We will examine the hypothesis that PPTg gets rapidly analysed sensory data from superior colliculus for relaying to thalamus and striatum. We will adopt a multidisciplinary approach using tracing techniques, measurement of transmitter release, induction of lesions, psychopharmacology and behavioural analyses.

Summary

unavailable
Committee Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research TopicsX – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research PriorityX – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative X - not in an Initiative
Funding SchemeX – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme
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