Signal transduction and adult cortical network activity

持续的网络活动被认为构成了工作记忆的细胞基础--我们用来操纵概念并将输入的信息与长期记忆中存储的信息进行比较的精神“便签簿”。这种认知功能会被压力通过尚未被很好理解的机制打乱。由于网络活动可能是认知功能的基础，这种网络活动背后的某些机制是最近许多研究的焦点。然而，关于第二信使系统是如何调节网络活动的，人们知之甚少。环核苷酸cAMP和cGMP是在中枢神经系统中起主要作用的第二信使，是许多不同神经递质系统的汇聚点和串联点。这项研究将提高我们对压力影响认知和情绪行为的大脑皮层机制的理解。

Persistent network activity is thought to form the cellular basis of working memory - the mental "scratch pad" which we use to manipulate concepts and to compare incoming information with that stored in long term memory. This cognitive function is disrupted by stress through mechanisms that are not well understood. Since network activity may be fundamental for cognitive function, certain aspects of the mechanisms underlying this network activity are the focus of many recent studies. However, little is known about how network activity is modulated by second messenger systems. The cyclic nucleotides, cAMP and cGMP, are second messengers that play a major role in the central nervous system and are a point of convergence and cross talk among many different neurotransmitter systems. This research will improve our understanding of the cortical mechanisms by which stress affects cognition and emotional behaviour.