Neurotransmitters

The human brain quickly adapts to a changing environment, often faster than can be explained by synaptic plasticity. One of the main candidates to account for such rapid changes is neuromodulation. We explore how modulation can assist a recurrent neural network to accommodate a range of variations of the tasks it is initially trained on. There are a number of approaches allowing for rapid acquisition of new tasks, for example, the neuronal gain modulation model [1]. However, we found that by affecting the input-output function of a neuron such an approach can neither address the variation of a

Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug-seeking. There is lot of interest in gaining a better understanding of how acupuncture works in the brain to modulate addictive behaviors. The current study aims to discuss the neurobiological mechanisms underlying acupuncture’s effectiveness in the treatment of drug addiction, on the basis of two different theories (the incentive sensitization theory and the opponent process theory) that have seemingly opposite views on the role of the mesolimbic reward pathways in mediating compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Resul

Information is transmitted between brain regions through the release of neurotransmitters from long range projecting axons. Understanding how the activity of such long-range connections contributes to behavior requires efficient methods for reversibly manipulating their function. Chemogenetic and optogenetic tools, acting through endogenous G-protein coupled receptor (GPCRs) pathways, can be used to modulate synaptic transmission, but existing tools are limited in sensitivity, spatiotemporal precision, or spectral multiplexing capabilities. Here we systematically evaluated multiple bistable op

…in the clearance of ions and neurotransmitters. In addition, these glial cells release gliotransmitters to regulate synaptic functions such as basal synaptic transmission and long-term synaptic plasticity. Clearance and gliotransmission are not the only ways through which astrocytes influence neuronal communication. One interesting b

…impact of different types of neurotransmitters on different parts of the dendritic tree. Models of synaptic gating and connectivity-tuning demonstrate that using enough additio

…We measured the concentrations of neurotransmitters in the early visual areas during sleep and obtained the excitation/inhibition (E/I) ratio which

…of a series of metabolites (including neurotransmitters), and through an essential role in the barrier function of the gut and the regulation of immunity and stress response. In this lecture I will present, based mainly on human studies but also on preclinical studies, the evidence for a role of the gut microbiota in the development of alcohol use disorder. I will show the first results of trials to test the effects of nutritional approach

Microbes have shaped the evolution of eukaryotes and contribute significantly to the physiology and behavior of animals. Some of these traits are inherited by the progenies. Despite the vast importance of microbe-host communication, we still do not know how bacteria change short term traits or long-term decisions in individuals or communities. In this seminar I will present our work on how commensal and pathogenic bacteria impact specific neuronal phenotypes and decision making. The traits we specifically study are the degeneration and regeneration of neurons and survival behaviors in animals.