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EPSRC Reference: GR/R89127/01
Title: Cumulative and Temporal Analysis of Multiple Co-Released Neurotransmitters
Principal Investigator: O'Hare, Professor D
Other Investigators:
Parker, Professor Emeritus KH Yeoman, Dr MS
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Bioengineering
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 2002 Ends: 30 September 2005 Value (£): 268,774
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomedical neuroscience Instrumentation Eng. & Dev.
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
All neurones signal to each other using complex coctails of neurotransmitters. It is as yet unclear why neurones utilise multiple signalling molecules because og our lack of suitable technology for measuring their in vivo in real time. Previous work carried out by one of the investigators has shown that neurones are capable of altering the composition of the signalling molecules that they release in response to various stimuli and, most importantly, with ageing.We will use recent developments in microfabrication technologyh to develop a multi-analyte sensor to investigate how the relative concentration of signalling molecules changes under the physiologically relevant conditions. Intially the problem will be evaluated in vitro against exiting cumalative measurement techniques. the principal aim of this project, however, is simltaneously to measure patterns of release of the different neurotransmitters, the gaseoius transmiiters NO monamine 5-HT, in vivo and to extract frequency information on their relationships using the novel signal processing technique, empirical mode decomposition.. We will also develop enzyme-based sensors for the real-time measurement of the peptidergic neurotransmitter, myomodulin. It is anticipated that the methodoliges developed will be transferrable to other neuronal systems and will increase our understanding of synaptic plasticity and cellular communication and changes with ageing.
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Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk