After the successful termination of my PhD at the Johannes-Müller- Institut for Physiology (Charité) in Berlin where I investigated the influence of relevant neurotransmitters and neuropeptides (like cholecystokinin, serotonin, dopamin, neuropeptid Y) on neuronal activity in the hypothalamus of rats modified by early postnatal overnutrition [1]-[3], I have changed my field of interest to:

Physiological characterization of functionally identified dorsal unpaired median (DUM-) neurons in the locust

In the insect nervous system, octopaminergic dorsal unpaired median (DUM-) neurons of the thoracic ganglia are known for their neuromodulatory role altering the performance of motor patterns, e.g. during flight or locomotion behavior. The population of DUM-neurons can be divided into at least two different types by their common inputs and peripheral innervation patterns. In particular, DUM-neurons which innervate flight muscles differ from these which innervate other for example leg muscles.

After establishing the methods for patch-clamp recordings I want to characterize different subtypes of previously identified DUM-neurons in locusts (Schistocerca gregaria, Locusta migratoria) by their membrane properties analizing the occurrence and content of specific ion-channels and receptors for relevant neurotransmitters. These examinations shall be made in neurons in culture and in vivo.

Heidel E. & Pflüger H.-J. (2003) Transient potassium currents in identified subtypes of octopaminergic dorsal unpaired median (DUM-) neurons isolated from locust thoracic ganglia. (Abstract in) Proc 29th Göttingen Neurobiol. Conf, ed. Elsner N & Zimmermann H, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart.

Davidowa H., Heidel E., Plagemann A. (2002) Differential involvement of dopamine D-1 and D-2 receptors and inhibiton by dopamine of hypothalamic VMN neurons in early postnatally overfed juvenile rats. Nutr Neurosci 5 (1): 27-36.

Zippel U., Heidel E., Plagemann A. et al. (2001) Action of CCK and 5-HT on lateral hypothalamic neurons depends on early postnatal nutrion. Nutr Neurosci 4 (2): 143-152.

Heidel E., Plagemann A.& Davidowa H. (1999): Increased response to NPY of hypothalamic VMN neurons in postnatally overfed juvenile rats. Neuroreport 10 (9): 1827-1831.

Zippel U, Heidel E. & Davidowa H (1999) Action of cholecystokinin and serotonin on lateral hypothalamic neurons of rats. Eur J Pharmacol 379 (2-3): 135-140

Heidel E. & Davidowa H. (1998): Interactive effects of cholecystokinin-8S and serotonin on spontaneously active neurons in ventromedial hypothalamic slices. Neuropeptides 32 (5): 423-429.