Research
? E. Irrsack/ University of BremenAstrocytes (green, GFAP) encircling an erythrocyte-filled (red) blood vessel in the dorsal hippocampus of a rat
? E. Irrsack/ University of BremenAstrocytes (GFAP) forming a glial scar after intracranial infusion
? H. Rehling/ University of Bremen5-choice-serial-reaction-time-task Impulsive behaviour
? H. Rehling/ University of BremenRadial-arm-maze Spatial navigation
? M. Koch/ University of BremenNeu-N (neurons) and GFAP (astrocytes), respectively, in the rat brain
? E. Irrsack/ University of BremenAstrocytes encircling a blood vessel
Research topics
The Department of Neuropharmacology has an active research programme in the areas of behavioural neuroscience and –pharmacology in rodents.
The main interest is focussed on the roles of the frontal cortex, the limbic system (amygdala and hippocampus) and the basal ganglia in different cognitive functions (learning, memory, attention, sensorimotor gating, behavioural flexibility and response inhibition).
We are also interested in the effects of brain lesions, developmental disorders and drugs (e.g. cannabinoids, psychostimulants and psychedelics) on adult rat behaviour and cognitive functions. These brain systems and cognitive functions are relevant for the understanding of several neuropsychiatric disorders as well as brain injury.
We apply a variety of methods for studying these systems, including several behavioural paradigms for investigating cognitive functions as well as imaging, electrophysiological and neuroanatomical techniques.