Research Interests:
Our laboratory has been conducting pharmacological and eletrophysiologicalinvestigations on various receptors and channels in brain neurons with emphasis on signal transduction mechanisms. We use dissociated neurons cultured from several brain nuclei. Our main method of investigation is the patch clamp technique. We also use microinjection of antibodies and anti-sense oligonucleotides. Our interest has been focused on K channel modulation. We have been investigating the properties of inward rectifier K channels in brain neurons in relation to the mechanisms of interaction with G proteins and with other messengers. We also plan to clone G protein-regulated inward rectifier K channnels from brain neurons. This will give us an opportunity to critically study the interaction of the K channels with G proteins and other mediators.
Recent Publications:
1.Inoue, M., Nakajima, S. and Nakajima, Y. (1988) Somatostatin induces an inward rectification in rat locus coeruleus neurones through a pertussis toxin-sensitive mechanism.J. Physiol.,407: 177-198.
2.Takano, K., Stanfield, P.R., Nakajima, S., and Nakajima, Y.(1995) Protein kinase C-mediated inhibition of an inward rectifer potassium channel by substance P in nucleus basalis neurons.Neuron, 14: 999-1008.
3. Grigg, J.J., Kozasa, T., Nakajima, Y. and Nakajima, S. (1996) Single channel properties of a G protein-coupled inward rectifier potassium channel in brain neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 75: 318-328.
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