PHD STUDENTSHIP IN BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE AT TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN
The effect of interferon-alpha on synaptic transmission, synaptic
plasticity and learning & memory
Interferon-alpha (IFN-a) is a key therapy in the treatment of viral
infections (especially hepatitis c) and cancer. However, interferon therapy
has neuropsychiatric effects limiting its use, including memory impairment,
generalised cognitive slowing, apathy and depression. The mechanism of
action of IFN-a within the central nervous system is unknown; the
prominence of memory disorders implicates the hippocampal formation, which
plays an essential role in memory and in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal
(HPA) axis coordination.
This project will investigate the effects of IFN-a on hippocampal function,
using well-established animal models: specifically (i) synaptic
transmission and plasticity in the hippocampal formation in vivo; (ii)
learning and memory as assessed by assays of hippocampal-dependent spatial
learning.
We hope to understand IFN-a -induced cognitive impairment, and to obtain
information about the clinical value of agents used to ameliorate these
side effects. Our goal is to provide data on an extremely important health
and social issue within contemporary society.
AVAILABLE FOR THREE YEARS FROM OCTOBER 2001
A tax-free stipend (£10k p.a.) and fees will be paid (funded by the Health
Research Board).
The successful candidate will: (i) have a degree (2i hons min) in the
behavioural and/or biological sciences and/or neuroscience; (ii) work
within a multidisciplinary research grouping (a full training will be
provided); (iii) work with Dr Shane O'Mara (Trinity College, Dublin) & Dr
Ann Marie O'Dwyer, (St James Hospital, Dublin)
It is hoped to conduct interviews in late June 2001.
Applications (CV, covering letter and the names of at least two academic
referees) and informal enquiries to Dr Shane O'Mara, Department of
Psychology, Trinity College, Dublin 2, 01-608 1175 (phone); 01 671 2006
(fax); smomara at tcd.ie (email);
http://www.tcd.ie/Psychology/Shane_O_Mara/index.html (web)
Shane M. O'Mara
Department of Psychology and Trinity College Institute for Neuroscience
Trinity College
Dublin 2
Ireland
Email: smomara at tcd.ie
WWW: http://www.tcd.ie/Psychology/Shane_O_Mara/index.html
WWW: http://www.tcd.ie/Neuroscience/
Phone: +353-1-608 1175
Fax: +353-1-671 2006
---