Research Programs

The Program in Neuroscience at University of Maryland, Baltimore has over 80 research scientists, with laboratories located in the Medical, Dental and Pharmacy Schools, and the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center. Investigators utilize a wide variety of state-of-the-art techniques to investigate topics whose scope ranges from the single molecule to the human brain. At the molecular level investigators study the structure, function and membrane organization of ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors. Using in vitro techniques (e.g., tissue culture and brain slices), experimenters study intrinsic cellular properties as well as interactions between cells in simple cell assemblies or systems with various techniques: electrophysiology (patch clamp, single channel, intracellular), functional imaging (calcium imaging, voltage-sensitive dyes ), cell biology ("caged" compounds, confocal microscopy, immunochemistry, histochemistry) and molecular biology (DNA cloning, gene transcription, oocyte expression and transgenic mice). Neurochemical methods are used to investigate the activation of neurotransmitter receptors, second messenger production and the sequelae of these processes. Sensory systems (audition, olfaction, pain, touch and taste) are studied with electrophysiological, behavioral and neuroanatomical techniques. At complex organizational levels, studies of hormonal control of gene expression in the regulation of sexually dimorphic behaviors, of neuronal cell death and of the neurobiological basis of psychiatric illnesses are ongoing. Numerous collaborative arrangements among laboratories give ample opportunities for students to acquire experience in multiple areas of molecular, integrative and behavioral neuroscience.

Michael T. Shipley, Ph.D.
Professor & Chairman, Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology
Director, Program in Neuroscience