Optical Analysis of Synaptic Integration in Cerebellar Purkinje Cells

该应用程序利用最先进的成像技术，在空间和时间上解决特定离子瞬态的传播。Ross博士将使用一种相对无创的高速成像系统来研究这个问题，该系统可以同时检查细胞的所有部分，这种光学技术可以提供有关特定离子浓度变化和电压变化的信息。这些信号可以用树突事件的空间分布和传播以及特定膜通道的分布来解释。罗斯博士将在小脑切片中注射带有荧光离子指示器和高速图像的单个浦肯野细胞，这些图像与在不同条件下进行的同步电测量相关联。这种特殊的成像技术将专门用于测量精细树突过程中细胞内钙和钠的瞬态浓度。这些实验将试图确定影响局部细胞内钙变化产生和再生潜能传播的因素（固有膜传导、突触相互作用和神经调节剂）。因为了解突触输入在神经元中被整合和处理的方式是至关重要的，这项研究的结果最终将有助于更好地理解学习和记忆的细胞机制

This application makes use of state-of-the-art imaging techniques to spatially and temporally resolve the propagation of specific ionic transients. Dr. Ross will investigate this problem by using a relatively noninvasive high speed imaging system which can examine all parts of the cell simultaneously, This optical technique can give information about specific ion concentration changes and voltage changes. The signals can be interpreted in terms of the spatial distribution and propagation of dendritic events and the distribution of specific membrane channels. Dr. Ross will inject individual Purkinje cells in cerebellar slices with fluorescent ion indicators and high speed images, correlated with simultaneous electrical measurements made under various conditions. The special imaging technology will be specifically used for measuring intracellular calcium and sodium concentration transients in fine dendritic processes. These experiments will attempt to define those factors (intrinsic membrane conductances, synaptic interactions, and neuromodulators) which influence the generation of local intracellular calcium changes and the propagation of regenerative potentials. Because it is essential to have information about the way synaptic inputs are integrated and processed in a neuron results from this study will ultimately help to better understand the cellular mechanisms of learning and memory.***