 
 |
||
      
Admission to this internship program is by application only and is at the discretion of the individual research scientists - space is limited. The program is open to all undergraduates at Rutgers and NJIT. Specific course of skill prerequisites will vary by instructor.
For more information, contact Connie Sadaka
at 973-353-1080 x 3294 |
 |
Research Opportunities: Elizabeth Abercrombie
Research Overview -
The catecholamine systems of the brain generally are viewed as having a modulatory role in CNS function. The research conducted in Dr. Abercrombie's laboratory is focused upon understanding the conditions under which central noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems exert their modulatory influence as well as the consequences of this modulation for the function of target populations of neurons. A major emphasis is the analysis of these issues in the intact, behaving animal in order to assess the physiological relevance of the experimental phenomena.
One line of research is directed towards elucidating the role of the noradrenergic neurons of the locus coeruleus in the CNS response to stress. In vivo microdialysis is used to study the factors influencing norepinephrine (NE) release in the hippocampus in response both to acute and chronic stressors. The effect of long-term antidepressant drug treatment or administration of anxiolytic drugs upon the regulation of basal and stress-induced release of NE also is investigated. The functional impact of observed alterations in NE release is studied using electrophysiological techniques to examine changes in the response characteristics of hippocampal neurons.
Dr. Abercrombie's lab also is involved in a project aimed at understanding the neurochemical circuitry of the group of CNS structures collectively known as the basal ganglia. Neurochemical disturbances in the basal ganglia are involved in the disorders of Parkinson's disease, Tourette's syndrome, and possibly schizophrenia.
More Information -
Webpage:
Elizabeth Abercrombie |
