This laboratory investigates electrophysiologic and neuropharmacologic mechanisms that control brain function. The billions of neurons in the brain are organized into networks that produce both normal and abnormal functions, such as convulsive seizures. Seizures are an abnormality of brain function that can be caused by external factors, such as drug administration or withdrawal, and by neurological diseases.
Epilepsy is the most common neurological disorder in man, afflicting millions.
Current anticonvulsant drugs do not provide adequate seizure control without significant adverse effects. Alcoholism is a major health problem, and the neurobiology of alcohol withdrawal, which includes seizures, is poorly understood. Both epilepsy and alcoholism involve altered function of neuronal networks in sensorimotor integration. A major goal of this laboratory is to understand brain mechanisms that produce seizures and to help develop anticonvulsant drugs which affect abnormal brain activity without interfering with normal function. To better understand normal brain function, we examine neurotransmitters which mediate excitability by administering agents that modify transmitter action.