Neurophysiology and Synaptic Plasticity

Our group is focused in the study of the cellular processes and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of synaptic transmission. We are particularly interested in the ability of neurons to regulate the synaptic strength over time, a process called synaptic plasticity, which is crucial both during physiological and pathological conditions of the Nervous System (NS). In our studies, we apply several functional and structural approaches to the experimental animal models, including: a. Extra and intracellular (patch- clamp technics) recordings of neuronal electrical activity. b. Simultaneous recordings of electrical activity and calcium imaging with confocal microscopy both in brain slices and in vivo. c. Electrochemistry techniques (fast cyclic voltammetry at the carbon fiber microelectrode, amperometry, biosensors). d. Electrophysiology and behavioral tests combined in freely moving animals.