Download Spring 2006 Seminar Series

Spring 2006 Seminar Series
SECOND-BY-SECOND ANALYSIS OF NEUROCHEMICALS IN THE CENTRAL
NERVOUS SYSTEM: METHODOLOGY TO DETERMINE THE CHEMICAL CODES
IN THE BRAIN
Greg A. Gerhardt
Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
College of Medicine
University of Kentucky
Over the last two decades there have been great advances in understanding the central nervous system (CNS). Research
is motivated by the need to determine the etiology of CNS disorders and to develop treatments for neurodegenerative
diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, mania and major depression.
Microelectrodes can provide a means to stimulate, record electrophysiological activity and chemical activity of neurons.
Our group has been working on a new generation of microelectrodes, which are micro-fabricated using photolithographic
techniques. Our new designs employ Al2O3 substrates patterned with Pt or Ir surfaces and coated with polyimide layers
for insulation. The resulting 4-16 recording site arrays are modified with enzymes and organic molecules to make them
sensitive and selective for the detection of a variety of neurochemicals. The focus of this presentation will be to
summarize the fabrication, recording properties and recent data generated using these unique microelectrodes for studies
of the CNS in mice, rats, monkeys and man.
This NECP Seminar is jointly sponsored by the Departments of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, the NECP and the CeNSE.
Friday, April 21, 2006
RGAN 202
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm