The University of Texas at Arlington

Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurophysiology Laboratories

Linda I. Perrotti, Ph.D., Perry N. Fuchs, Ph.D.

Yuan Bo Peng, M.D., Ph.D., Qing Lin, M.D., Ph.D.

Background

The Behavioral Neuroscience and Neurophysiology Laboratories are a component of the Department of Psychology at the University of Texas at Arlington. The laboratories use modern behavioral and electrophysiological analyses to explore the underlying relationship between neuronal function and behavior. This integrative approach involves the use of molecular biology, biochemistry, immunocytohistochemistry, neurophysiology, anatomy, and a wide range of behavioral methodology to understand the function of the nervous system. Members of the neuroscience subprogram use these approaches to explore behavior, pain processing, learning and memory, anxiety, depression and mechanisms underlying drug abuse and addiction.

Objectives

• Exploration of the relationship between supraspinal and spinal processing of sensory and affective pain processing
• Exploration of the relationship between pharmacological agents and learning and memory processes

• Exploration of the relationship between brain function and modulation of fear and anxiety
• Characterization of behavioral symptoms and altered brain, dorsal horn, and/or dorsal root ganglia physiology in various animal models of neuropathic and inflammatory pain
• Development of novel telemetry system for recording action potentials and delivering focal electrical stimulation
• To examine gender differences in addictive patterns of behaviors and underlying neural mechanisms
• To explore the anatomical similarities between pain processing and reward circuitry
• The investigation into the molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of stress in affective disorders

Examples of Laboratory Methodology

Cognitive Function

• Morris Swim Test
• 5-Choice Serial Reaction Test

Sensory Function

• Mechanical and Thermal Quantitative Sensory Testing
• Animal models of Neuropathic and Inflammatory Pain
• Pre-Pulse Inhibition

Motor Function and Anxiety/Fear

• Rotorod
• Open Field Activity
• Elevated Plus Maze
• Light-Enhanced Startle

Neurophysiology

• Supraspinal, dorsal horn, peripheral nerve electrophysiology
• In vivo microdialysis
• Laser Doppler quantification of peripheral blood flow
• Whole-cell patch clamp in vitro recording

Drug Abuse

• Conditioned Place Preference

Biochemical Analysis

• Immunocytohistochemistry
• ELISA
• Radioimmunoassay