Cellular Mechanisms of
Neurotransmission
Dr. Hablitz is using studies on synaptic transmission to further
understand basic biophysical properties of mammalian central neurons, as well as to
explore the pathophysiology of experimental epilepsy.
Electrophysiological
techniques, including whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings from visually identified
neurons, are used in in vitro brain slice preparations. The goal of these studies is to
determine the types of synaptic interactions present among pyramidal cells and
interneurons in neocortex and how these patterns change during development.
Additional studies
involve the use of optical recording techniques and voltage-sensitive dyes. These studies
examine the spatial and temporal extent of cortical circuit activation in normal neocortex
and an animal model of cortical dysplasia.
John Hablitz
received his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Houston in 1972. Following an
Associate Professor position at Baylor College of Medicine, he joined UAB in 1989. He is
presently Professor of Neurobiology.
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