George Aghajanian, MD
Research & Publications
Biography
News
Research Summary
In my laboratory we study mechanisms of chemical neurotransmission in the central nervous system using electrophysiological approaches in the rat brain slice preparation. Neurotransmission involves the release of transmitter substances from presynaptic elements onto postsynaptic neurons. The interaction of a neurotransmitter with a postsynaptic receptor then induces either a direct change in ionic conductance (Ligand-gated channel) or an indirect change in ionic conductance through a intermediary transducer molecule called a G protein (G-protein gated channel).
We study both kinds of neurotransmitter actions using intracellular and patch clamp recording from single neurons in brain slices. In addition we examine the ways in which psychotropic drugs modify the actions of neurotransmitters. Some of the drugs we are studying include: antipsychotics, antidepressants, hallucinogens, and opiates.
Specialized terms: Neurotransmission; antipsychotics; antidepressants; hallucinogens; opiates
Research Interests
Hallucinogens; Neuropharmacology; Neurophysiology; Psychiatry
Selected Publications
- Modeling “psychosis” in vitro by inducing disordered neuronal network activity in cortical brain slicesAghajanian GK. Modeling “psychosis” in vitro by inducing disordered neuronal network activity in cortical brain slices Psychopharmacology 2009, 206: 575-585. PMID: 19241062, PMCID: PMC2755104, DOI: 10.1007/s00213-009-1484-9.
- Stress blunts serotonin- and hypocretin-evoked EPSCs in prefrontal cortex: Role of corticosterone-mediated apical dendritic atrophyLiu RJ, Aghajanian GK. Stress blunts serotonin- and hypocretin-evoked EPSCs in prefrontal cortex: Role of corticosterone-mediated apical dendritic atrophy Proceedings Of The National Academy Of Sciences Of The United States Of America 2008, 105: 359-364. PMID: 18172209, PMCID: PMC2224217, DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0706679105.