1979 — 1982 |
Watson, Winsor |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Equipment to Improve Basic Physiology and Neurophysiology Laboratories @ University of New Hampshire |
0.915 |
1985 |
Watson, Winsor H |
R01Activity Code Description: To support a discrete, specified, circumscribed project to be performed by the named investigator(s) in an area representing his or her specific interest and competencies. |
Amine and Peptide Modulation of the Heart @ University of New Hampshire
Neuropeptides and biogenic amines are important regulators of neuronal and muscular activity in both vertebrates and invertebrates (Snyder, 1980; Haynes, 1980). The recent discovery and characterization of a variety of neuropeptides has contributed significantly to our understanding of many diverse physiological functions. Furthermore, several studies indicate that the modulatory actions of some peptides and amines represent a novel form of neuronal communication (Woodward et al., 1979; Barker and Smith, 1980). The close association of amine and peptide pathways in the vertebrate brain (Hokfelt et al., 1980) and the existence of both putative transmitters in the same nerve terminals (Hokfelt et al., 1980; Pelletier et al., 1981; Potter et al., 1981) suggest that they are released together and interact at the target tissue. The widespread importance of these two classes of modulatory agents, their unique mechanisms of action, and close association with each other warrant further investigation into ther actions at the cellular and molecular level. Our research program incorporates the best aspects of invertebrate systems and mammalian neurochemistry and physiology. In many of the experiments outlined in this proposal we will use the neurogenic Limulus (horseshoe crab) heart to determine how proctolin (a pentapeptide) and several amines modulate neural networks and cardiac muscle. In addition, the heart will be used as a bioassay system to separate and purify Limulus neuropeptides, like proctolin, which will subsequently be tested for activity on vertebrate preparations. Antibodies to these peptides will be used to screen the vertebrate nervous system for related peptides. This approach has already led to the recent discovery of several novel peptidergic systems in the vertebrate brain (Weber et al., 1981; Dockray et al., 1981; Bodenmuller and Schaller, 1981), and we feel it makes the best use of both vertebrate and invertebrate preparations to develop and test concepts that are central to our understanding of peptidergic/aminergic systems in general.
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1987 — 1988 |
Watson, Winsor |
N/AActivity Code Description: No activity code was retrieved: click on the grant title for more information |
Reu: Undergraduate Research in Marine Biology @ University of New Hampshire
This award supports a Research Experience for Undergraduate site proposal to provide research experiences for selected undergraduates in the marine sciences, in order to acquaint them with the excitement and opportunities of academic research and to encourage them to contemplate going on to graduate studies and eventually careers in science research.
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0.915 |
1991 |
Watson, Winsor H |
R15Activity Code Description: Supports small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. The goals of the program are to (1) support meritorious research, (2) expose students to research, and (3) strengthen the research environment of the institution. Awards provide limited Direct Costs, plus applicable F&A costs, for periods not to exceed 36 months. This activity code uses multi-year funding authority; however, OER approval is NOT needed prior to an IC using this activity code. |
Neuronal Basis of Swallowing Behavior @ University of New Hampshire
DESCRIPTION (Investigator's Abstract): The focus of the research program is how neural circuits generate rhythmic behaviors and the mechanisms underlying neural and hormonal modulation of these networks. The principal investigator proposes to develop a new invertebrate model system, the Melibe buccal ganglion, which contains only 30, large neurons. The goal of the proposed research is to delineate the neural circuit of this ganglion in an effort to determine how it produces the patterned activity underlying swallowing behavior. Specific aims include: 1. Construction of a cellular map of the entire ganglion using both histological and electrophysiological techniques. 2. Characterization of the activity of each neuron in the ganglion using voltage sensitive dyes, a photodiode array detector and appropriate computer hardware and software. 3. Delineation of the synaptic connectivity of the network using traditional stimulation-recording techniques. 4. Development of a working model of the network, based on the results of the physiological and morphological studies. Preliminary data by the principal investigator has demonstrated that the buccal ganglion controls swallowing behavior and that the neurons of the buccal ganglion are accessible to standard intracellular recording, stimulating and staining intracellular recording, stimulating and staining techniques.
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1997 |
Watson, Winsor H |
R15Activity Code Description: Supports small-scale research projects at educational institutions that provide baccalaureate or advanced degrees for a significant number of the Nation’s research scientists but that have not been major recipients of NIH support. The goals of the program are to (1) support meritorious research, (2) expose students to research, and (3) strengthen the research environment of the institution. Awards provide limited Direct Costs, plus applicable F&A costs, for periods not to exceed 36 months. This activity code uses multi-year funding authority; however, OER approval is NOT needed prior to an IC using this activity code. |
Modulation of Swimming in a Marine Mollusc @ University of New Hampshire
DESCRIPTION: The overall goal of research in the applicant's lab is to determine how neural circuits generate rhythmic behaviors and how these circuits are regulated by neural and hormonal inputs. The applicant proposes to develop a new invertebrate model system, the nudibranch Melibe leonina, and to test the hypothesis that feeding and swimming are both generated by a single multifunctional CPG. This central hypothesis generates four related testable hypotheses which are the focus of the proposal. The first hypothesis is that there is a single, flexible CPG for both swimming and feeding. This will be tested by further analyses of the cellular components and synaptic connections of the swim CPG, to determine the major components of this network. The second hyothesis is that light suppresses both swimming and feeding circuits, explaining why animals are more active at night. This will be tested by direct behavioral measurements to determine whether there is a circadian rhythm in swimming, locomotion and feeding activities, and whether removal of the eyes affects the daily behaviors. The third project is to test the hypothesis is that NO reconfigures the swimming CPG to produce a feeding rhythm. The applicant first proposes to map the distribution of NOS staining in the CNS and periphery. Then a series of experiments are planned in semi-intact animals to prove that NO donors restructure the swim CPG to produce feeding. The fourth project analyzes the same questions from the opposite perspective: do threatening stimuli evoke swimming and suppress feeding by switching a shared CPG to the swim pattern? The applicant will apply the isolated tube feet of a predatory starfish to Melibe skin while recording from swim and feeding interneurons and motor neurons, and determine whether the swimming pattern is evoked in both cell types.
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