Brain Res . Dr J Lincoln, ANI, Hampstead Site Autonomic neuropathy occurs as a complication of diabetes mellitus. Research has shown that only certain subpopulations of autonomic nerves undergo degeneration in diabetes while others are resistant to its effects. Projects will involve investigating the role of oxidative stres in nerve degeneration in diabetes and how natural defence mechanisms against oxidative stress can protect some autnomic nerves from diabetes-induced neuropathy. Such studies will provide important information on the potential for anti-oxidant therapy in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy.
Techniques are likely to include biochemistry, histochemistry and immunohistochemistry.
This project will employ anatomical, pharmacological, electrophysiological and computer simulation and functional imaging techniques to study the role of the mammalian hippocampus in spatial memory and navigation. My research is concerned with analysis of the neural mechanisms underlying a simple form of associative learning. Opportunities for research training include the use of neuroanatomical tracing, brain lesion and behaviour, and electrophysiological techniques to analyze cerebellar and brain stem mechanisms of conditioned motor responses. A study of the organization of the visual cortex in primates including humans, using a variety of techniques. Candidates can choose to concentrate on anatomical, physiological or psychophysical approaches and may wish to use imaging techniques and modern computational methods developed in the laboratory, as well.