CURRENT Research Lines:
p Estrogens and Synaptic Plasticity in the Mature Brain
Our goal is to explore the neuroprotective role of estrogen in the hippocampal formation of old rats. This is an area of intensive investigation because the structural rearrangements of hippocampal synapses underlie cognitive processes, as well as a variety of brain disorders like injury or mental illnesses. Emphasis will be put in elucidating the role of estrogen as inhibitor of toxic free radicals and in preventing the changes in spines and synapses, as well as in memory, that occur in aging. Understanding the estrogen-related synaptic rearrangements in intact brain as well as in models in vitro will provide information on the cellular and molecular rules governing estrogen-induced neural plasticity. (M. D. Madeira)
p Neurotrophins and Brain
Neuronal functioning is dependent on trophic signaling between nervous cells via neurotrophins, acetylcholine and, perhaps, other neurotransmitters. Changes in trophic signaling are implicated in aging, epilepsy, and alcohol-related pathologies. Our strategic objective is to understand how the different trophic systems of the brain interact with each other in order to shed new light on the mechanisms of neuronal protection and repair. (N. Lukoyanov)
p Nutritional Deprivations in the Adult Rat Brain
Protein malnutrition alters the structure and function of the brain and is associated with neurotrophin deficits. By exerting neuroprotection, neurotrophins are critical for pre- and postnatal brain development. Our aim is to investigate the role of perinatal protein malnutrition on the development of the hippocampal formation and to analyze the influence of polyphenolic antioxidants as effective substances in preventing dysfunction or in promoting functional recovery. (J. P. Andrade)
p Plasticity of Neuronal Circuits in the Limbic Cortex
Neuronal plasticity is activity-dependent. This is particularly the case of the epilepsy-induced reorganization of neuronal microcircuits in the hippocampal formation and other closely related brain regions. It is already known that the excessive excitation alters the connectivity pattern of hippocampal neurons and eventually causes loss of some of them. Thus, our goal is to unravel the fine structure of these reorganized synaptic circuits and to understand how exactly neuronal degeneration triggers synaptic and dendritic rearrangements in the remaining neurons. (N. Lukoyanov)
p Stress and Alcohol in the Brain
Our objective is to examine the effects of stress on the activity of the neuroendocrine system controlling the production of corticosteroids under conditions of ethanol treatment and withdrawal. Exposure to ethanol disrupts the structure and function of numerous regions of the brain and the changes it provokes are frequently aggravated by ethanol withdrawal. To get a better understanding on the role played by estrogen as a neuroprotectant substance, our strategy also involves exploring the influence of female steroid hormones on the response to stress. (M. D. Madeira)
RESEARCH GRANTS:
PTDC/SAU-NEU/68141/2006
Seizure-Induced Reorganization of Synaptic Connections in the Limbic System and its Functional Implications.
(PI, N. Lukoyanov)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2007 – 2010
POCTI/NSE/42834/2001
Estrogens and synaptic plasticity in the mature brain. In the search for the molecular basis.
(PI, M. D. Madeira)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2002 – 2005
POCTI/NSE/42794/2001
Involvement of the Retrosplenial Cortex in Memory and Emotion: Lesion Studies in the Rat.
(PI, N. Lukoyanov)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2002 – 2005
POCTI/NSE/35767
Neurotrophins, Peptide Synthesis and Alcohol Withdrawal. Study of the suprachiasmatic and basalis nuclei.
(PI, M. M. Paula-Barbosa)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2001 – 2004
PRAXIS/C/SAU/13186/98
Influência de Factores Neurotróficos nos Fenómenos de Degenerescência Neuronal Induzidos pela Hiponutrição.
(PI, J. P. Andrade)
1999 – 2001
CRG 971176
Effects of Neurotrophic Factors in the Hippocampus after Alcohol Withdrawal
(PI, A. Cadete-Leite, em parceria com A. Ribeiro-da-Silva, Departamento de Farmacologia e Terapêutica, McGill University, Montreal, Canadá)
NATO
1997 – 1999
Specific Activation of High Affinity Type II Glucocorticoid Receptors Induce Higher Cell Loss in the Hippocampal Formation than Simultaneous Activation of Type I and Type II Receptors.
(PI, M. M. Paula Barbosa)
CRUP/DAAD
1997
PECS/C/SAU/92/95
Aging of the Limbic System: Repercussions on Sexual Dimorphisms.
(PI, M. D. Madeira)
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
1996 – 1998
PRAXIS/2/2.1/SAU/1338/95
Stress. Factor de Envelhecimento Cerebral.
(PI, M. M. Paula-Barbosa)
Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica
1996 – 1999
CRG 921335
The Hippocampus of Grafted Rats Withdrawn from Alcohol. Immunocytochemical study.
(PI, A. Cadete-Leite, em parceria com A. Ribeiro-da-Silva, Departamento de Farmacologia e Terapêutica, McGill University, Montreal, Canadá)
NATO
1994 – 1996
PBIC/C/SAU/1569/92
Are Glucocorticoids Related to Ethanol Neurotoxicity in the Limbic System?
(PI, M. D. Madeira)
Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica
1993 – 1995
PBIC/C/SAU/1557/92
Demência na SIDA: Fundamentos Neuromorfológicos para a sua Compreensão.
(PI, C. Ruela)
Junta Nacional de Investigação Científica e Tecnológica
1992 – 1995
Individual Grants:
SFRH/BD/21596/2005
O Sistema Hipocampo-Córtex Retrosplénio na Epilepsia Experimental: Estudo Morfológico e Comportamental.
Armando Cardoso
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2005 - 2009
SFRH/BD/19497/2004
Efeitos Protectores de Compostos Polifenólicos sobre o Sistema Nervoso Central do Rato. Estudo Morfológico, Bioquímico e Comportamental.
Marco Manuel Batista Assunção
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
2004 - 2008
SFRH/BPD/1583/2000
Behavioral Impairments in Rodents with Degenerative Changes in the Central Nervous Sstem: Relevance to Neuronal Plasticity.
N. Lukoyanov
2000 - 2003