Cellular Neurophysiology Laboratory

The Cellular Neurophysiology Laboratory at the University of Washington is based at Harborview Medical Center, is part of the Neurology Department and Regional Epilepsy Center, and is affiliated with the Physiology and Biophysics department. Our research centers on the properties of neuronal dendrites both under normal conditions and in epilepsy. We are particularly interested in how hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to epilepsy. HCN channels are voltage-gated ion channels in hippocampal pyramidal neuron dendrites that inhibit pyramidal neuron excitability. HCN channel expression and function is lost early in the development of epilepsy, so we’re interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms of HCN channel regulation and how they may be targeted in novel therapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of epilepsy.

We are also interested in how antiepileptic drugs work and how their use may be optimized for patients with refractory epilepsy. We have been studying a unique clinical database of AED treatment records for evidence of drug regimens that may be particularly effective in this difficult-to-treat patient population.

The techniques in use in the lab include: whole-cell and cell-attached patch clamp recording in hippocampal pyramidal neuron dendrites using IR and fluorescence imaging of neurons in the brain slice preparation; animal models of acquired temporal lobe epilepsy; and biochemical and cellular histology techniques.

We're always looking for individuals interested in our research who would like to join our lab. Feel free to contact us.