Paul S. Katz
Associate Professor
Department of
Biology
Georgia State
University
Atlanta,
E-mail: pkatz@gsu.edu
Tel: 404-651-0922 (office)
404-651-0920 (lab)
Fax: 404-651-2509
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Audio Welcome
Our research focuses on the role of
neuromodulation in the control of neuronal circuits. Presently we are
investigating the role of "intrinsic neuromodulation" in the
production of swimming behavior in the nudibranch mollusc, Tritonia diomedea.
We are looking at how serotonin is regulated and how its effects are integrated
within a simple circuit. In particular, we are looking at the temporal
information provided by second messengers.
A second area that we
are exploring is how neural circuits evolved.
We are comparing the role of homologous neurons in different
opisthobranch species. We found that
homologous nervous systems can produce very different behaviors.
We have also explored
how serotonin is regulated in mammals. 5-HTP is available for use as a
nutritional supplement, yet our work in Tritonia shows that it has
unexpected actions on neuronal circuits. We examined the effects of
feeding 5-HTP to rats on their brain neurochemistry. Our lab uses a variety of techniques
including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, HPLC, microvoltammetry, and photolysis of caged-compounds.
I am interested in the stomatogastric nervous system of decapod crustacea to examine issues about how evolution shaped neuronal circuits to produce different behaviors in different species. We have also examined these issues in molluscs.
Take
a look at my book:
"Beyond Neurotransmission: Neuromodulation and its importance for
information processing"
Or
Oxford's British site.
For a Review of this book see Trends in Neurosciences 2000, 23:277-278
Courses that I teach:
- Fall Biol 4102/6102 Fundamentals of Neurobiology
- Spring Bio8020: Neurobiology II: Integrative Neurobiology
http://www.gsu.edu/~biopsk/paul.htm
Send Comments to Paul Katz
e-mail: pkatz@gsu.edu
Tel: 404-651-0922
Fax: 404-651-2509