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Title: Hippocampal place cell activity influenced by variations of the novel object recognition task in C57BL/6J mice.
Creator: Asgeirsdottir, Herborg Nanna, Cohen, Sarah J., Zhang, Gongliang, Munchow, Alcira H., Stackman, Robert W., Graduate College
Date Issued: 2013-04-12
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361265
Subject Headings: Hippocampus (Brain), Neurons, Mice
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Optogenetic dissection of dopamine subpopulations in Drosophila reveals interplay between reward and aversion.
Creator: Alshakarchi, Zainab, Duboue, Erik, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Dopamine is an essential component in the neural pathway for attractive and aversive behavior. Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are known to have a key role in neurotransmission which can result in the modulation of different behaviors as well as the manifestation of different mental health disorders. Drosophila share similar genetics that are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and disorders in humans. Furthermore, previous studies have shown conservation of DA neurons between humans...
Show moreDopamine is an essential component in the neural pathway for attractive and aversive behavior. Dopaminergic (DA) neurons are known to have a key role in neurotransmission which can result in the modulation of different behaviors as well as the manifestation of different mental health disorders. Drosophila share similar genetics that are associated with several neurodegenerative diseases and disorders in humans. Furthermore, previous studies have shown conservation of DA neurons between humans and Drosophila which facilitate research using Drosophila as a model organism. In this study, we initially developed and tested a novel optogenetics system, which targeted neurons with spatial specificity, that activated or inhibited neurons through channelrhodopsin microbial opsins that are sensitive to red light. This system was then used to investigate the DA subsets that mediate attractive and aversive behavior. The activation of PPL1 clusters mostly resulted in aversive behavior as aligned with the literature, however activation of clusters with output neurons (PPL1 & PAM) concluded with different results.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013868
Subject Headings: Drosophila, Dopaminergic Neurons, Optogenetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Neuronal Energetics: Mitochondrial Distribution and The Phosphagen System.
Creator: Riboul, Danielle V., Macleod, Gregory T., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The relationship between neuronal function and energy metabolism is a field of intense inquiry and while bioenergetic per se are well understood, we lack a good understanding of the ways in which these mechanisms overcome the challenges presented by the unique morphology of neurons and their volatile energy demands. Here we examined the extent to which these challenges can be met through strategic mitochondrial placement and the support of a phosphagen system. We examined fluctuations in...
Show moreThe relationship between neuronal function and energy metabolism is a field of intense inquiry and while bioenergetic per se are well understood, we lack a good understanding of the ways in which these mechanisms overcome the challenges presented by the unique morphology of neurons and their volatile energy demands. Here we examined the extent to which these challenges can be met through strategic mitochondrial placement and the support of a phosphagen system. We examined fluctuations in energy demand of Drosophila larval motor neurons utilizing a combination of computational modeling and empirical analysis, and uncovered a neglected aspect of cellular energy metabolism that appears to accommodate the stress of highly volatile energy demands. Our findings highlight a reliance on the phosphagen system to buffer against rapid changes in the rate of ATP consumption induced by burst firing. The knockdown of a key element in the phosphagen system of invertebrates, arginine kinase, revealed a suppression of the mitochondrial proton motive force, and a more rapid decline in the presynaptic ATP/ADP ratio during burst firing. The knock down of arginine kinase also revealed metabolic shifts that indicated a compensatory increase in glycolysis, but, surprisingly, few consequences for either presynaptic Ca2+ handling or neurotransmission. In a final effort to ensure that we were imposing a metabolic load adequate to challenge these motor neurons, we developed an ex vivo calcium clearance assay and in vivo locomotor performance assay – currently in their final stages of validation.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014419
Subject Headings: Mitochondria, Neurons, Energy metabolism
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: BRIEF EXPOSURE TO A NOVEL CONTEXT ENHANCES CONSOLIDATION OF OBJECT MEMORY IN C57BL/6J MICE.
Creator: Hindman, Brandon L., Stackman Jr., Robert W., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Psychology, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Previous research revealed that episodic memories are more likely to be consolidated if something novel occurs in relative temporal proximity to the original learned event (Dunsmoor, Murty, Davachi, & Phelps, 2015). Further, research conducted with rodents has revealed that novel contextual exposure following encoding of a spatial memory in a food-motivated task results in enhanced consolidation of that spatial memory (Takeuchi, Duszkiewics, Sonneborn et al., 2016). The present study sought...
Show morePrevious research revealed that episodic memories are more likely to be consolidated if something novel occurs in relative temporal proximity to the original learned event (Dunsmoor, Murty, Davachi, & Phelps, 2015). Further, research conducted with rodents has revealed that novel contextual exposure following encoding of a spatial memory in a food-motivated task results in enhanced consolidation of that spatial memory (Takeuchi, Duszkiewics, Sonneborn et al., 2016). The present study sought to examine the influence of novel context exposure on non-spatial object memory in adult female and male C57BL/6J mice when novel context exposure follows encoding of object memory under two memory strength training protocols. Results revealed that regardless of memory strength or gender, subjects exposed to a novel context following encoding of object memory exhibited greater exploration of the novel object when assessed 23.5 h later. Thus, novel context exposure significantly enhanced the consolidation of recently encoded object memory. As novel context exposure has been shown to increase dopamine release in the hippocampus, these results are consistent with the theory of synaptic tag and capture, whereby activated dopaminergic afferents enhance the on-going consolidation of non-spatial object memory. Future studies will entail parsing potential neurotransmitter modulatory afferents via pharmacological antagonists.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013377
Subject Headings: Memory, Episodic memory, Neurons, Afferent, Dopamine, Mice
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The role of BDNF in the survival and morphological development of adult-born olfactory neurons.
Creator: McDole, Brittnee, Guthrie, Kathleen, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Olfactory Granule cells (GCs) are a population of inhibitory interneurons responsible for maintaining normal olfactory bulb (OB) function and circuitry. Through dendrodendritic synapses with the OBs projection neurons, the GCs regulate information sent to the olfactory cortices. Throughout adulthood, GCs continue to integrate into the OB and contribute to olfactory circuitry. However, only ~50% will integrate and survive longterm. Factors aiding in the survival and morphological development...
Show moreOlfactory Granule cells (GCs) are a population of inhibitory interneurons responsible for maintaining normal olfactory bulb (OB) function and circuitry. Through dendrodendritic synapses with the OBs projection neurons, the GCs regulate information sent to the olfactory cortices. Throughout adulthood, GCs continue to integrate into the OB and contribute to olfactory circuitry. However, only ~50% will integrate and survive longterm. Factors aiding in the survival and morphological development of these neurons are still being explored. The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) aids in the survival and dendritic spine maturation/maintenance in several populations of CNS neurons. Investigators show that increasing BDNF in the adult-rodent SVZ stimulates proliferation and increases numbers of new OB GCs. However, attempts to replicate these experiments failed to find that BDNF affects proliferation or survival of adult-born granule cells (abGCs). BDNFs regulation of dendritic spines in the CNS is well characterized. In the OB, absence of BDNF’s receptor on abGCs hinders normal spine development and demonstrates a role for BDNF /TrkB signaling in abGCs development. In this study, we use transgenic mice over-expressing endogenous BDNF in the OB (TgBDNF) to determine how sustained increased in BDNF affect the morphology of olfactory GCs and the survival and development of abGCs. Using protein assays, we discovered that TgBDNF mice have higher BDNF protein levels in their OB. We employed a Golgi-cox staining technique to show that increased BDNF expression leads to an increase in dendritic spines, mainly the mature, headed-type spine on OB GCs. With cell birth-dating using 5-bromo-2’- deoxyuridine (BrdU), immunofluorescent cell markers, TUNEL staining and confocal microscopy, we demonstrate that over-expression of BDNF in the OB does not increase survival of abGCs or reduce cell death in the GC population. Using virally labeled abGCs, we concluded that abGCs in TgBDNF mice had similar integration patterns compared to wild-type (WT) mice, but maintained increases in apical headed-type spine density from 12 to 60 days PI. The evidence combined demonstrates that although increased BDNF does not promote cell survival, BDNF modifies GC morphology and abGC development through its regulation of dendritic spine development, maturation and maintenance in vivo.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013159
Subject Headings: Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Olfactory Bulb, Olfactory Pathways, Neurons
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Stochastical aspects of neuronal activity, neural networks, and communication.
Creator: De Groff, Dolores F., Florida Atlantic University, Neelakanta, Perambur S., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: By revisiting the popular framework of depicting neuronal (collective) activities as analogous to Ising's spin-glass theory of interacting magnetic spins, the contradictions that coexist with such an analogy are extracted and discussed. To alleviate such contradictions, an alternative strategy of equating the neuronal interactions to the partially anisotropic nematic phase of disorder pertaining to liquid crystals is proposed. Hence, the extent of anisotropy in the neuronal system, quantified...
Show moreBy revisiting the popular framework of depicting neuronal (collective) activities as analogous to Ising's spin-glass theory of interacting magnetic spins, the contradictions that coexist with such an analogy are extracted and discussed. To alleviate such contradictions, an alternative strategy of equating the neuronal interactions to the partially anisotropic nematic phase of disorder pertaining to liquid crystals is proposed. Hence, the extent of anisotropy in the neuronal system, quantified in terms of an order-function, is specified to elucidate the nonlinear squashing action of the input-output relations in a neuronal cell. The relevant approach thereof, is based on Langevin's theory considerations as applied to dipole molecules. Further, in view of the stochastical properties due to the inherent disorder associated with the neuronal assembly, the progression of state-transitions across the interconnected cells is modeled as a momentum flow relevant to particle dynamics. Hence, corresponding wave mechanics attributions of such a collective movement of state-transition activity are described in terms of a probabilistic wave function. Lastly, the stochastical aspects of noise-perturbed neuronal dynamics are studied via Fokker-Planck equation representing the Langevin-type relaxational (nonlinear) process associated with the neuronal states. On each of these topics portraying the stochastical characteristics of the neuronal assembly and its activities, newer and/or more exploratory inferences are made, logical conclusions are enumerated and relevant discussions are presented along with the scope for future research to be pursued.
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Date Issued: 1993
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/12326
Subject Headings: Neurons--Mathematical models, Stochastic processes, Neural networks (Computer science)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DECIPHERING NEURONAL SIGNALING WITHIN A SINGLE DENDRITIC SPINE IN LONG TERM POTENTIATION.
Creator: Tu, Xun, Yasuda, Ryohei, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Organization and function of neuronal circuits require not only the interaction between the intrinsic components of the individual neurons but also the synaptic interactions that incorporate them into functional entities. Dendritic spines are the major sites for excitatory synaptic transmission, and are considered as the basic unit of information transfer in nervous system. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is highly associated with functional plasticity, playing critical roles in...
Show moreOrganization and function of neuronal circuits require not only the interaction between the intrinsic components of the individual neurons but also the synaptic interactions that incorporate them into functional entities. Dendritic spines are the major sites for excitatory synaptic transmission, and are considered as the basic unit of information transfer in nervous system. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is highly associated with functional plasticity, playing critical roles in learning and memory. Here, we explored mechanisms underlying PKCα and structural plasticity of dendritic spines. We examined the spatiotemporal activation of actin regulators with 2pFLIM, including small GTPases Rac1, Cdc42 and Ras, in the presence or absence of PKCα during single-spine structural plasticity. Removal of PKCα expression in the postsynapse attenuated Rac1 activation during structural plasticity without affecting Ras or Cdc42 activity. Moreover, disruption of a PDZ binding domain within PKCα led to impaired Rac1 activation and deficits in structural spine remodeling. This work described that PKCα regulates the activation of Rac1, but not Ras or Cdc42, during sLTP of dendritic spines, and this modulation relies on PKCα’s PDZ-binding motif.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013974
Subject Headings: Dendritic Spines, Neuronal Plasticity, Long-Term Potentiation
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CHARACTERIZATION OF DIFFERENTIATED HUMAN NEUROBLASTOMA SH-SY5Y CELLS IN CULTURE.
Creator: Condikey, Siri, Prentice, Howard, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biomedical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Abstract/Description: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting an estimated 20 million worldwide. The primary pathology of AD is the progressive loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, which is responsible for the cognitive decline experienced by AD patients. The mechanisms underlying this selective vulnerability have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, oxidative stress is a key factor behind the pathology of AD leading to this neuronal loss. The current...
Show moreAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting an estimated 20 million worldwide. The primary pathology of AD is the progressive loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, which is responsible for the cognitive decline experienced by AD patients. The mechanisms underlying this selective vulnerability have not been fully elucidated. Furthermore, oxidative stress is a key factor behind the pathology of AD leading to this neuronal loss. The current literature suggests that there are limited in-vitro models available to accurately simulate the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The SH-SY5Y cell line has been used extensively to study neuronal stress responses but the undifferentiated cell type has been predominantly used. Undifferentiated SH-SY5Y versus differentiated SH-SY5Y have been shown to have different interaction, expression and localization with AD hallmark, amyloid-b -42. This project sought to use differentiated cholinergic cells from the line SH-SY5Y to further isolate and elucidate, in-vitro, the mechanisms behind the oxidative stress response, a key stressor in the pathology of AD. Building upon previous studies, a protocol to differentiate SH-SY5Y cells with retinoic acid (RA) and neurotrophin (BDNF) to mature neurons of the cholinergic phenotype was optimized and implemented. The results showed successful differentiation into the cholinergic phenotype as evidenced via immunofluorescence imaging of choline acetyl transferase (ChAT) expression and mature neurite morphology. To simulate oxidative stress, we exposed both undifferentiated and differentiated SH-SY5Y cells to hypoxic conditions. Results indicated a stress response to mild hypoxic conditions with higher sensitivity in cholinergic differentiated SH-SY5Y. Understanding these hallmark mechanisms behind oxidative stress is crucial to developing mechanism-based therapeutics for AD.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014347
Subject Headings: Alzheimer Disease, Cholinergic Neurons, Alzheimer Disease--pathology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The Dynamic pH Landscape At The Drosophila NMJ Synaptic Cleft And Its Implication In Neurotransmission.
Creator: Hernandez, Roberto X., Macleod, Gregory T., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The intricate processes governing cellular pH and its impact on protein and cellular function have been extensively explored. However, our understanding of the pH fluctuations that occur during routine cellular activities and their potential to modulate cell function remains, particularly within the highly dynamic pH landscape of a synapse. Investigating the scale, directionality, and temporal characteristics of these activity-dependent pH fluctuations at synapses is of paramount interest, as...
Show moreThe intricate processes governing cellular pH and its impact on protein and cellular function have been extensively explored. However, our understanding of the pH fluctuations that occur during routine cellular activities and their potential to modulate cell function remains, particularly within the highly dynamic pH landscape of a synapse. Investigating the scale, directionality, and temporal characteristics of these activity-dependent pH fluctuations at synapses is of paramount interest, as it carries profound implications for neurotransmitter release and signal transduction. Employing both empirical and computational modeling methods, our research explores the dynamic pH environment within the synaptic cleft of Drosophila glutamatergic motor neuron Ib terminals during synaptic activity and reveals its significance in modulating neurotransmission. Contrary to popular belief, we discovered that these terminals undergo activity-dependent extracellular alkalinization in response to both single action potentials and burst stimulation. This surprising phenomenon was also observed at the mouse calyx of Held. We found activity-dependent alkalinization to be predominantly driven by Ca2+ movement across the postsynaptic membrane, and by targeting pH indicators to subcellular domains, we identified alkalinization to primarily occur within the cleft.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014346
Subject Headings: Neurotransmission, Drosophila, Hydrogen-Ion Concentration, Motor Neurons, Optogenetics
Format: Document (PDF)

$Adult olfactory neuron turnover and the asscociation between fractalkine and microglia$

Title: Adult olfactory neuron turnover and the asscociation between fractalkine and microglia.
Creator: Mello, Rebecca Femandes, Guthrie, Kathleen M.
Date Issued: 2013-04-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3361154
Subject Headings: Olfactory Receptor Neurons, Olfactory Bulb--physiology, Cell death, Microglia, Chemokines
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Analyses of neuronal replacement in the neuron-depleted olfactory systems in adult mice.
Creator: Liu, Huan, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Abstract/Description: New neurons are continuously generated in the olfactory system of adult mice, including olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and interneurons, produced in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrated toward olfactory bulb (OB) along rostral migratory stream (RMS). The present study observed the effects of target neuron loss on the life-span and maturation of adult-born OSNs in the OE and on the proliferation, migration and differentiation of SVZ stem cells in the...
Show moreNew neurons are continuously generated in the olfactory system of adult mice, including olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) in the olfactory epithelium (OE) and interneurons, produced in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrated toward olfactory bulb (OB) along rostral migratory stream (RMS). The present study observed the effects of target neuron loss on the life-span and maturation of adult-born OSNs in the OE and on the proliferation, migration and differentiation of SVZ stem cells in the forebrain after eliminating bulb neurons. We found the life-span of newborn neurons in the absence of synaptic targets was shortened, but the timing of maturation was not delayed. In addition, SVZ cells continued to divide and migrate to the damaged bulb, and the migration of newborn cells in the RMS on the contralateral side was delayed at 2 weeks post-BrdU. Also, the proliferation of cells in dentate gyrus of the hippocampus was not affected by OB damage at 3 weeks post-lesion, though lesion affects occurred in the adult SVZ/RMS.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/172671
Subject Headings: Mice as laboratory animals, Neurotransmitter receptors, Sensory neurons, Testing, Cellular control mechanisms
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Acute and temporal responses of brain–derived neurotrophic factor and Interleukin-6 to high and low repetition resistance training programs.
Creator: Quiles, Justin M., Zourdos, Michael C., Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to determine if resistance exercise altered peripheral BDNF concentration. Eighteen trained male subjects were split into two groups performing varied repetition ranges. DUP-HR and DUP-LR groups trained 3x/week for 8 weeks, and were equated for total volume (repetitions X sets X intensity). Plasma BDNF and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured prior to and immediately following the first exercise session of weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6. Pre-exercise levels were also...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine if resistance exercise altered peripheral BDNF concentration. Eighteen trained male subjects were split into two groups performing varied repetition ranges. DUP-HR and DUP-LR groups trained 3x/week for 8 weeks, and were equated for total volume (repetitions X sets X intensity). Plasma BDNF and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured prior to and immediately following the first exercise session of weeks 1, 2, 4 and 6. Pre-exercise levels were also assessed prior to the second and third sessions of week 1 and 6. Lastly, resting levels were measured before and after training intervention. No group differences (p>0.05) were detected for either biomarker. An acute BDNF elevation (p=0.018) was detected only in the final week of training. IL-6 elevations were detected at all acute measurements (p<0.01). BDNF and IL-6 percentage change correlated significantly (p<0.05) in week-1. No chronic alterations were observed (p>0.05).
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004461, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004461
Subject Headings: Bioenergetics, Cognitive science, Exercise -- Physiological aspects, Kinesiology, Metabolic syndrome -- Pathophysiology, Neurons -- Physiology, Neurophysiology, Neurotrophic functions
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The effect of acute moderate-intensity continuous and high intensity interval exercise on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in recreationally trained males.
Creator: Mock, Thomas J., Whitehurst, Michael, Florida Atlantic University, College of Education, Department of Exercise Science and Health Promotion
Abstract/Description: BDNF is a neurotrophin that enhances neural health and is increased by exercise. PURPOSE: To compare moderate continuous (MCE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIE) effects on serum BDNF levels, and examine the relationship between BDNF and lactate. METHODS: Seven males completed a VO2peak test and two protocols on separate days, (MCE) 28 min at 60% Workrate max (WRmax) and (HIE) 28 min of intervals at 90%WRmax (10- 1 min intervals separated by 2 min of rest). Serum BDNF and lactate were...
Show moreBDNF is a neurotrophin that enhances neural health and is increased by exercise. PURPOSE: To compare moderate continuous (MCE) and high-intensity interval exercise (HIE) effects on serum BDNF levels, and examine the relationship between BDNF and lactate. METHODS: Seven males completed a VO2peak test and two protocols on separate days, (MCE) 28 min at 60% Workrate max (WRmax) and (HIE) 28 min of intervals at 90%WRmax (10- 1 min intervals separated by 2 min of rest). Serum BDNF and lactate were determined prior, during, and following both protocols. RESULTS: BDNF levels (pg/mL) increased from baseline during HIE and MCE (p<.05). The BDNF response to HIE correlated with lactate for area under the curve (AUC) (r=0.901; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: HIE is an effective alternative to MCE at increasing BDNF. Additionally, lactate may act as a measure of intensity or a mediator of the BDNF response to exercise.
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Date Issued: 2014
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004219, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004219
Subject Headings: Biochemical markers., Neurons--Physiology., Cell aging--Physiology., Neurotrophic function., Metabolic syndrome--Pathophysiology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: VISUALIZING NANO-SCALE SYNAPTIC CHANGES DURING SINGLE DENDRITIC SPINE LONG-TERM POTENTIATION BY CORRELATIVE LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPY.
Creator: Sun, Ye, Yasuda, Ryohei, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Dendritic spines are the major sites for receiving excitatory synaptic inputs and play important roles in neuronal signal transduction, memory storage and neuronal circuit organization. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is correlated with functional plasticity, and is critical for learning and memory. Visualization of the changes of dendritic spines at the ultrastructural level that specifically correlated with their function changes in high throughput would shed light on detailed...
Show moreDendritic spines are the major sites for receiving excitatory synaptic inputs and play important roles in neuronal signal transduction, memory storage and neuronal circuit organization. Structural plasticity of dendritic spines is correlated with functional plasticity, and is critical for learning and memory. Visualization of the changes of dendritic spines at the ultrastructural level that specifically correlated with their function changes in high throughput would shed light on detailed mechanisms of synaptic plasticity. Here we developed a correlative light and electron microscopy workflow which combines two-photon MNI-glutamate uncaging, pre-embedding immunolabeling, Automatic Tape-collecting Ultramicrotome sectioning and scanning electron microscopy imaging. This method bridges two different visualization platforms, directly linking ultrastructure and function at the level of individual synapses. With this method, we successfully relocated single dendritic spines that underwent long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by two-photon MNI-glutamate uncaging, and visualized their ultrastructures and AMPA receptors distribution at different phases of LTP in high throughput.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013433
Subject Headings: Dendritic Spines, Neuroplasticity, Visualization, Microscopy, Long-Term Potentiation--physiology, Neurons--ultrastructure
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improving In Vivo Two Photon Microscopy Without Adaptive Optics.
Creator: Estrada, Gerardo, Beetle, Christopher, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Physics
Abstract/Description: Two photon microscopy is one of the fastest growing methods of in-vivo imaging of the brain. It has the capability of imaging structures on the scale of 1μm. At this scale the wavelength of the imaging field (usually near infra-red), is comparable to the size of the structures being imaged, which makes the use of ray optics invalid. A better understanding is needed to predict the result of introducing different media into the light path. We use Wolf's integral, which is capable of fulfilling...
Show moreTwo photon microscopy is one of the fastest growing methods of in-vivo imaging of the brain. It has the capability of imaging structures on the scale of 1μm. At this scale the wavelength of the imaging field (usually near infra-red), is comparable to the size of the structures being imaged, which makes the use of ray optics invalid. A better understanding is needed to predict the result of introducing different media into the light path. We use Wolf's integral, which is capable of fulfilling these needs without the shortcomings of ray optics. We predict the effects of aberrating media introduced into the light path like glass cover-slips and then correct the aberration using the same method. We also create a method to predict aberrations when the interfaces of the media in the light-path are not aligned with the propagation direction of the wavefront.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004495
Subject Headings: Cellular signal transmission -- Measurement, Image analysis, Imaging systems in medicine, Membranes (Biology) -- Imaging, Neurons -- Imaging, Optics, Adaptive
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of target neuron loss on olfactory sensory neurons in adult mice.
Creator: Ardiles, Yona., Florida Atlantic University, Guthrie, Kathleen M.
Abstract/Description: Olfactory sensory neurons (OSN) expressing the same odor receptor (OR) project their axons to topographically fixed glomeruli in the olfactory bulb (OB). This topographic map results from axon guidance mechanisms determined by ORs, glia and molecular guidance cues. The present study examined the organization of mature OSNs expressing the P2 OR in adult mice after ablation of bulb neurons with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Rapid neuronal degeneration was followed by progressive laminar...
Show moreOlfactory sensory neurons (OSN) expressing the same odor receptor (OR) project their axons to topographically fixed glomeruli in the olfactory bulb (OB). This topographic map results from axon guidance mechanisms determined by ORs, glia and molecular guidance cues. The present study examined the organization of mature OSNs expressing the P2 OR in adult mice after ablation of bulb neurons with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Rapid neuronal degeneration was followed by progressive laminar disorganization of the OB and glomerular shrinkage. P2 axon targeting and convergence was maintained within degenerating glomeruli for up to 2 weeks. After that time, fewer P2 axons were observed in the lesioned OB with fewer P2 neurons in the olfactory epithelium (OE). By 3 weeks, the mature OSN population was reduced and the immature population was increased. These results suggest that bulbar synaptic contacts do not maintain sensory axon convergence in the adult, but regulate neuronal survival in the OE.
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Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13166
Subject Headings: Sensory neurons--Testing, Senses and sensation, Neurotransmitter receptors, Mice as laboratory animals, Smell--Research--Methodology
Format: Document (PDF)

$Fractal ion-channel behavior generates fractal firing patterns in neuronal models$

Title: Fractal ion-channel behavior generates fractal firing patterns in neuronal models.
Creator: Liebovitch, Larry S., Lowen, Steven B., White, John A.
Date Issued: 1999-05
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/165477
Subject Headings: Biophysics--Research, Fractals, Neural networks (Neurobiology)--Mathematical models, Neurons--Mathematical models, Markov processes--Mathematical models, Ion channels--Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Over-Expression of BDNF Does Not Rescue Sensory Deprivation-Induced Death of Adult-Born Olfactory Granule Cells.
Creator: Berger, Rachel A., Guthrie, Kathleen M., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Science
Abstract/Description: It is of interest to understand how new neurons incorporate themselves into the existing circuitry of certain neuronal populations. One such population of neurons is that which are born in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrate to the olfactory bulb where they differentiate into granule cells. Another area of interest is the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the survival and overall health of these neurons. This study aimed to test whether or not BDNF is a survival factor...
Show moreIt is of interest to understand how new neurons incorporate themselves into the existing circuitry of certain neuronal populations. One such population of neurons is that which are born in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrate to the olfactory bulb where they differentiate into granule cells. Another area of interest is the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the survival and overall health of these neurons. This study aimed to test whether or not BDNF is a survival factor for adult-born granule cells. Here were utilized a transgenic mouse model over-expressing BDNF under the α- calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKIIα) promoter, and tested its effect on olfactory granule cells under sensory deprived conditions. Results from this experiment indicated that there was no significant difference in cell death or cell survival when comparing transgenic and wild type animals. We concluded that BDNF is not a survival factor for adult-born granule cells.
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Date Issued: 2016
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004722, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004722
Subject Headings: Cellular control mechanisms, Mice as laboratory animals, Nervous system -- Diseases -- Gene therapy, Neural circuitry, Neuroplasticity, Neurotransmitter receptors, Sensory deprivation, Sensory neurons -- Testing
Format: Document (PDF)

FAU Theses and Dissertations (15)	+ -
FAU College Collections (1)	+ -
FAU Graduate Student Research (1)	+ -
FAU Undergraduate Student Research (1)	+ -

Mice as laboratory animals (3)	+ -
Neurons (3)	+ -
Neurotransmitter receptors (3)	+ -
Cellular control mechanisms (2)	+ -
Dendritic Spines (2)	+ -

Drosophila (2)	+ -
Mice (2)	+ -
Neurons--Mathematical models (2)	+ -
Neuroplasticity (2)	+ -
Optogenetics (2)	+ -
Alzheimer Disease (1)	+ -
Alzheimer Disease--pathology (1)	+ -
Biochemical markers. (1)	+ -
Bioenergetics (1)	+ -
Biophysics--Research (1)	+ -
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (1)	+ -
Cell aging--Physiology. (1)	+ -
Cell death (1)	+ -
Cellular signal transmission -- Measurement (1)	+ -
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