The Laboratory of Thalamus Research was established in 1st of January
2003
The focus of the research is the combined morphological and physiological analysis of thalamic neuronal activity and its major afferent pathways. To this end light and electron microscopic methods are used to examine the synaptic organization of higher order thalamic nuclei. Neuronal activity is recorded with the juxtacellular recording and labeling method in anaesthetized animals during cortical slow wave activity and tail pinch induced arousal. The relationship between neuronal classes set up by physiological properties and anatomical characteristics is established.
The group established a fruitful collaboration with Prof Anita Lüthi (Biozentrum, University of Basel), with whom a novel type of thalamic slice preparation was developed in which the synaptic physiology of the extrareticular GABAergic system can be directly studied. The three approaches, anatomy, in vitro and in vivo physiology are mutually interdependent and promise a comprehensive understanding of inhibitory actions governing relay cell function. |
