Syed Abbas

I am a neuroscientist with interests in receptor modulation and ion channel physiology. My research focus is to study localization and functions of serotonin receptors in the brain and retina of crayfish. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter. Disruption of serotonin neurotransmission can result in many behavioral neurological deficits such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism, and schizophrenia.  Serotonin displays circadian rhythm in concentration, release, and expression in mammals and in crayfish. My research will investigate factors that modulate serotonin neurotransmission.  The results will be evaluated by behavioral assays, measurements of receptor expression, and cellular physiology.

I am also interested in studying the relationship between serotonin neurotransmission and Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels.  HCN channels generate pacemaking current in the heart, and confer cellular excitability on neurons in the brain and retina.  My approach to these studies will involve techniques such as behavioral assays, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, electrophysiology, and electroretinography.