Address

441 BMSB, 745 Bannatyne Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9

Brian J. Schmidt, M.D., FRCPC

M.D./Professor, Internal Medicine

University of Manitoba

Office
441 BMSB
204-789-3275
Research
Neurochemical mechanism of mammalian locomotor networks.An in vitro neonatal rat spinal cord preparation is used to study the function and organization of mammalian locomotor circuits. These experiments complement ongoing in vivo and in vitro projects in other spinal cord laboratories in the Department of Physiology. Intra- and extracellular stimulation and recording techniques are used while testing the effect of various neurotransmitter agonists and antagonists. Objectives include:

  1. To examine membrane properties, ionic conductances and receptor mechanisms underlying voltage oscillations in locomotor network neurons.
  2. To examine the role of inhibitory amino acid transmission in the operation of locomotor networks.
  3. To examine the interaction of NMDA and 5HT receptor mechanisms in producing membrane oscillations.
  4. To examine the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in the activation and/or modulation of locomotor networks.
  5. To determine the neurotransmitters mediating bulbospinal activation and modulation of locomotor networks.
  6. To examine the regional distribution and pharmacological responsiveness of the locomotor network.
Areas of Expertise
In vitro electrophysiology and neuropharmacology, studies of spinal cord motor pattern generation.
Publications
Search PubMed for publications by Schmidt BJ
See Also
Dept. of Internal Medicine profile for Dr. Schmidt