This laboratory is engaged in neuropharmacological and neurochemical research upon the functions of monoaminergic neurons, especially serotonin, in the central nervous system and peripherally. Special attention is focused upon autoregulatory mechanisms and the alterations in these processes caused by drugs or by disease states. P DFunctional Analysis for the Serotonergic Nervous System Serotonin is an endogenous active substance and plays several important roles in the central nervous system. It is suggested that serotonergic system involves in pathogenesis of depression and anxiety.
Many new drugs are available and also under development.
The role of presynaptic receptors in the regulation of neurotransmitter release and the interactions between various presynaptic receptors are being studied. NO has considerable functions in many organs. In the central nervous system, NO plays important roles for neuronal functions. Using neurochemical procedure, the functional roles of NO in physiological and pathophysiological conditions are being studied. R DDevelopment of Animal Models for Vascular Dementia and the Functional Analysis Reliable animal model for vascular dementia is not available currently.