Our laboratory uses electrophysiological techniques to study the mechanisms of synaptic transmission
and plasticity in the mammalian hippocampus. One of the main focuses in the lab is in the study of
synaptic long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP is the persistent increase in synaptic strength that occurs
after a period of heavy activity in a synaptic connection. It is the most widely studied and compelling
model for mechanisms underlying memory formation in the mammalian central nervous system. Most
recently, we have been involved in studies of LTP that occurs between individual pairs of neurons.

The other major focus of the lab is the study of the modulation and short term plasticity of inhibitory
synaptic transmission in the hippocampus by different neurotransmitter systems. Projects under this
focus include studies on the modulatory properties of norepinesphrine, acetylcholine and opiates on
hippocampal inhibitory circuitry and transmitter release.

Studies in the lab are carried out using a full range of electrophysiological techniques including
extracellular field potential recording, intracellular recording,whole cell and single channel recording in
hippocampal slices and cultured neurons.