Medical Student Research Fellowship for Summer 2006

Mentor: Steven Vernino, MD PhD
Department: Neurology
Room number: J3.114
Mail Code: 9036
Phone number: 8-9271
E-mail: steven.vernino@utsouthwestern.edu
Project title: Antibody-mediated neurological disorders

Human subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 092004-041

Animal subjects IRB approved project number (where applicable): 1042-05-04

Project Type (animal-based research)

Brief Description of Project: In recent years, a number of neurological disorders have been associated with antibodies against ion channels. These disorders are unique because they cause abnormalities in the function of neurons without causing permanent damage. As a result, these neurological disorders are important since they may be reversible. Our laboratory is studying the effect of neurological autoantibodies on the function of the nervous system. We measure the effects of antibodies on various aspects of behavior and on the excitability of the neuronal cells. Our summer project would be to develop techniques of evaluating learning and memory in the mouse and then examining changes in these parameters after administration of antibodies. Based on clinical studies, antibodies against certain ion channels are anticipated to cause short-term memory deficits.

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