Project Summary

David B. Carr, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of Northwestern University, proposes performing studies to elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of serotonin, or 5-HT, in a particular class of cortex cells. Disruptions in cortical 5-HT signaling have been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and depression, but the mechanism is unknown. Dr. Carr’s prior research shows that 5-HT, through activation of 5-HT2 receptors, reduces the function of certain sodium currents in dissociated cortical neurons. He believes the reduction in the sodium channel availability impacts dendrites preferentially. Sodium channels are prominent in the dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons where they play important roles in nerve transmission and integration of nerve impulses. He aims to investigate whether the 5-HT2 induced reduction of sodium channel availability decreases the transfer of electrical signals in the apical dendrites of pyramidal cells. Such studies could lead to the construction of models of normal cortical function and the abnormal activity associated with schizophrenia and depression.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS AREAS\Unipolar/Schizophrenia

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