Dr. Mahyar Janahmadi

PhD Physiology

Professor of Physiology Department and Neuroscience Research Center 

Sharp intracellular recordings and Whole cell patch–clamp

Laboratory

Mahyar Janahmadi and her research group are interested in neurobiology of diseases and neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases, such as cerebellar ataxia, Alzheimer and also epilepsy. Our brains accomplish their jobs by generating coordinated patterns of electrical signals in groups

of nerve cells. Research in this laboratory focuses on the cellular and molecular properties of this coordinated electrical behaviour. Circuits, synaptic connections and intrinsic electrical properties particular to individual nerve cells combine to allow neurons to generate the specific firing patterns that ultimately result in behaviors. Research work here concentrates on the electrophysiological characteristics of the cerebellar Purkinje neurons and hippocampal pyramidal cells in physiological and physiopathological conditions, regions of the brain involved in coordinating movements and learning and memory. In summary, much of the current work focuses on three goals: First, the intrinsic electrophysiological changes that occur in neurodegenerative animal models of diseases and the underlying cellular mechanisms. Particular interest is given to the role of ion channels and signaling cascades. Second, the effects of different toxicants, including the heavy metal Pb2+, Al3+ and of organophosphorus compounds, including nerve agents and insecticides, on neuronal functions in vitro and on the electrophysiological properties of ion channels. Third, the electrophysiological effects of herbal medicine on an experimental model of epilepsy.

Laboratory Techniques

Electrophysiological recording including whole cell patch clamp and sharp intracellular recordings (Single and two electrode current and voltage clamp techniques) and intracellular staining from neurons (in slices) and snail neurons.