Profile of the Faculty MembersProfessor: Schuichi Koizumi
1. Neuron-to-glia interaction and brain functions
2. Glial pathology
3. Pharmacology of purinergic systems
Associate Professor: Atsushi Sugiyama
1. The treatment and prevention of lethal arrhythmias
Assistant Professor: Nobuo Homma
1. Pharmacological research on gap junction channel
2. Research on the effects of various chemicals on the membrane current of a single cardiac muscle cell
Assistant Professor: Kayoko Fujishita
1. Biochemical and molecular biological approach of neuron-to-glia interaction
2. Pharmacology of purinergic systems
General Description of the Research Activities
Our goal is to elucidate molecular mechanisms underlying memory, learning and emotion. We are specially interested in an involvement of glial cells, i.e., astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, in these events. Glial cells were though to be gbrain glueh but have been recognized as an important partner of neurons. Glial cells control even synaptic transmission, thereby leading to synaptic plasticity. Our research includes glial pathology, which could be disease pathogensis such as brain ischemia, neuropathic pain and mood disorders. We also evaluate the effects of antiarrhythmic and proarrhythmic drugs using in vivo model system of dogs.
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