CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF SYNAPTOGENESIS

了解大脑中神经元之间的交流过程是基础生理学和疾病理解的重要问题。神经递质在突触形成过程中所起的作用目前尚不清楚。我打算使用一种新型的金刚石电极（与密歇根州立大学的G. Swain教授合作）和新的信号处理技术（与北卡罗来纳大学的M. Wightman教授合作）来了解多种共同释放的神经递质在培养中神经元再生和突触形成过程中所起的作用（与卡尔加里大学的N. Syed教授合作）。pH值的变化也将作为神经元囊泡释放的指标进行测量，并将用于验证金刚石电极的反应。长期记录（天）和完整中枢神经系统中再生神经元的细胞内记录将首次尝试。与M. Yeoman博士（布莱顿大学）和帝国理工学院合作。相关机构之间的技术转移将有助于推进这一重要领域的分析测量手段，并有更广泛的技术应用，巩固我在分析科学、神经生理学和工程学界面上的技能。这项工程的总费用是43,000英镑。

Understanding the process of communication between neurones in the brain is important problem in both basic physiology and the understanding of disease. The role that neurotransmitters play during the formation of synapses is currently unknown. I intend with the use of a new type of diamond electrode (with Prof G. Swain, Michigan State University) and novel signal processing techniques (with Prof. M. Wightman, University of North Carolina) to understand the roles played by multiple co-released neurotransmitters during neuronal regeneration and synaptogenesis in culture (with Prof. N. Syed, University of Calgary). pH changes will also be measured as an indicator of vesicular release from neurones and will be used to validate the response of the diamond electrodeLong-term recordings (days) and intracellular from regenerating neurones in the intact CNS will be attempted for the first time, with Dr M. Yeoman (University of Brighton) and at Imperial CollegeThe transfer of technology between the institutions involved will help advance the means of analytical measurement in this important area and have broader technological application and consolidate my skills at the interface of analytical science, neurophysiology and engineering. The total cost of the project is 43,000.