Physio-pharmacology of nervous system

Research groups:

  • (PlaN) The main research line of the PlaN (Plasticity of Neural circuits) group is aimed at understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying brain plasticity during development, adult life and in the Diseases affecting the Nervous System. In particular, the group deals with the study of: i) the role of serotonergic receptors in the remodeling of neuronal cytoarchitecture and their signal transduction pathways; ii) the molecular mechanisms underlying the differentiation and dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons; iii) the alterations of synaptic plasticity in murine models of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases.
  • (PHANEPA) The main topic of PHANEPA group is to study and identify possible pharmacological targets in neurodegenerative and non-neurodegenerative disorders in CNS and pain. To this aim we use the most current pharmacological in vitro and in vivo models to study the role of endogenous mediators on the pharmacological effect of new compounds. The dated experience of the group in pain studies places it among the few Italian groups able to study the mechanism of action and the efficacy of natural and synthesized compounds through animal models.
  • (IDEALCARE) The group is interested in the study of natural compounds and their potential use in the neuro-inflammation related to the main neurodegenerative diseases. Particularly, since many years the interest is focused on the molecules active at cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor sites as well molecules interfering with the endocannabinoid system in animal model of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Moreover, the group studies the toxicity of peptide beta amyloid in glial and neuronal cell cultures. Behavioral test, molecular biology and histological analysis are performed. The group is hold several collaboration with other research groups.

Partecipants:

  • Antonio Calignano
  • Rosa Carnuccio
  • Carla Cicala
  • Marianna Crispino
  • Armando Ialenti
  • Teresa Iuvone
  • Giovanna La Rana
  • Francesca Lembo
  • Giuseppina Mattace Raso
  • Rosaria Meli
  • Maria Miniaci
  • Maria Pina Mollica
  • Carla Perrone Capano
  • Roberto Russo
  • Floriana Volpicelli