The role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase-expressing neurons in the regulation of synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex

• Project/Area Number: 22700412
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Research Field: Neurophysiology and muscle physiology
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: ENDO Toshiaki 名古屋大学, 環境医学研究所, 准教授 (30353436)
• Project Period (FY): 2010 – 2011
• Project Status: Completed (Fiscal Year 2011)
• Budget Amount: ¥4,160,000 (Direct Cost: ¥3,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥960,000); Fiscal Year 2011: ¥1,300,000 (Direct Cost: ¥1,000,000、Indirect Cost: ¥300,000); Fiscal Year 2010: ¥2,860,000 (Direct Cost: ¥2,200,000、Indirect Cost: ¥660,000)
• Keywords: 視覚野 / 一酸化窒素合成酵素 / 大脳皮質 / nNOS / NO / 長期増強 / 長期抑圧 / Substance P

Research Abstract

The properties of neuronal nitric oxide synthase(nNOS)-positive neurons in the mouse visual cortex were examined. In vitro electrophysiological experiments revealed that substance P activate nNOS neurons and induce a rise in intracellular Ca^<2+>. This study provide important fundamental basis to understand the regulation of the synaptic plasticity in the visual cortex.