H Scott Swartzwelder, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience

Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience
Ph.D., American University of the Caribbean, 1980
mailing address: VA Med Ctr 508 Fulton St Durham, NC 27705
office: VA Med Ctr
email:

research interests | research | lab web site

Research Summary:
 My research program is divided into two related projects:

The modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by endogenous neurotransmitter systems. In particular we are studying the effects of drugs which modulate the GABAB and NMDA systems upon indices of synaptic plasticity such as long-term potentiation (LTP) epileptogenesis in local hippocampal circuits. We use both in vitro brain slice techniques as well as in vivo electrophysiological preparations to assess the role of these neurotransmitter systems. Our most exciting recent work indicates that GABAB receptor activation enables NMDA-mediated synaptic activity which leads to LTP. This transmitter interaction approach may provide a rational basis for the development of new drugs designed to enhance cognitive function. In addition, we maintain active collaborations employing memory assessment techniques with animals which allow us to test the behavioral relevance of the compounds we identify with our electrophysiological studies.

The effects of alcohol (ethanol) on hippocampal function. This work is more applied in nature and addresses an issue of immediate and profound social concern. We have found that even very mild prenatal exposure to ethanol (equivalent to one drink per day) results in a marked suppression of synaptic plasticity (LTP) in the hippocampus of adult offspring. This compromise in the ability to induce LTP is accompanied by a decrease in the responsiveness of hippocampal cells to NMDA. This suggests that mild prenatal exposure to ethanol results in a compromise of NMDA function in adulthood which may account for the observed deficits in LTP and learning.

We have also found that acute ethanol exposure antagonizes NMDA-mediated activity in the hippocampus. We are currently trying to find out at which of the sites on the NMDA receptor complex ethanol exerts its antagonistic effects. The answers to this question may lead to a more clear understanding of how ethanol disrupts cognitive function, and may generate productive hypotheses regarding the development of ethanol addiction.

Undergraduate students have been involved in each of these projects, and have been productive members of our research team. Depending upon the previous experience of the student, they have become involved in various levels of the analysis including tissue slice preparation, stereotaxic surgery, brain slice or in-vivo electrophysiological recording, data analysis, and preparation of manuscripts for publication. Our effort is to include the student as a fully functioning member of the lab for their time here so that they may gain a true appreciation of the details of conducting research in neurobiology.