Ann Kammer - US grants

Biogenic amines may function as neurotransmitters, as modulators of synaptic transmission, and possibly as regulators of synaptic development. The objectives of this research project are to investigate the mechanisms by which the biogenic amine octopamine modulates transmission in both adult and immature neuromuscular synapses of the moth Manduca sexta and to determine if octopamine is necessary for neuro-muscular development. Intracellular recording techniques will be used to determine if octopamine acts directly on the muscle, altering its membrane potential or resistance, and to determine if octopamine alters the frequency and amplitude distribution of miniature excitatory junction potentials. To determine if octopamine acts postsynaptically to modulate the action of the neurotransmitter glutamate, the effect of octopamine on potentials elicited by iontophoretically applied glutamate will be measured. The possibility that octopamine alters the levels of cyclic nucleotides in neuromuscular preparations will be assessed by radioimmunoassay of cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP. The hypothesis that octopamine is necessary for neuro-muscular development will be tested by recording postsynaptic potentials at different stages of development of normal moths and of moths treated with drugs to deplete their octopamine supply. The results wil provide new information about the different susceptibilities of developing and mature neuromuscular synapses to a neuromodulator and about the role of a biogenic amine in synaptic development. The results will also provide a basis for new approaches to diseases characterized by failure of synaptic communication during development or in adults.

This award provides funds to the Department of Zoology at Arizona State University to establish a program to give undergraduates individual mentoring and a rewarding experience doing research on the physiological bases of behavior. All participants will integrate their work into a broad perspective encompassing both mechanisms and evolution of behavior, and all will be introduced to both laboratory and field studies. During the ten summer weeks of the program ten undergraduate students will work with six participating faculty members to design a research project, to implement it, and to report their results. Faculty and students will meet weekly as a group to discuss research in progress. Some social and cultural events are planned, in order to strengthen a feeling of collegiality. Students will be recruited nationally and selected on the basis of interest and preparation. Special efforts will be made to recruit women and minorities, the latter particularly from institutions in the southwest. This Research Experience for Undergraduates award will give 10 students a lively research experience, including opportunities to discuss their work, as well as providing incentive to enhance on-going efforts of faculty in the Department of Zoology to involve undergraduates in research.