Modulation of the release of neurotransmitters from rat and guinea-pig cerebrocortical synaptosomes by metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists

Objective

There are three pharmacologically characterised groups of metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR). Two of these are reported to inhibit and one to enhance glutamate release presynaptically. The host group has a well established project on presynaptic neurotransmitter release evoked by ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) agonists.
The project aims to characterise mGluR modulated neurotransmitter release in the cerebral cortex, in vitro and in vivo. An emphasis will be the modulation of iGluR mediated release.
The work programme will staxt by using the synaptosomal model and then proceed to test the effects found using microdialysis. Pilot studies have shown that both parts are possible.
There are few studies which have detailed the pharmacology of mGluR modulateded release and none which address mGluR modulation of iGluR-mediated release.
The study will be aided by the provision of some novel materials from industry.
If sucessfull this project will provide the basis for further transnational European collaborations.

Fields of science

• medical and health sciences › basic medicine › pharmacology and pharmacy

Programme(s)

• FP4-TMR - Specific research and technological development programme in the field of the training and mobility of researchers, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0302 - Post-doctoral research training grants
• TL11 - Neurosciences (inc. Psychology)

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)

Coordinator

Universidade de Coimbra

Address

Largo Marquês De Pombal
3049 Coimbra
Portugal

Participants (1)

Not available

United Kingdom