Brain Sciences Institute |
Measuring the Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) on single cells
Supervisor:Prof Andrew Wood, Dr Linda Chen
Suitable year level:3rd-5th year
Project Description
Despite bad press, ECT is very effective in the treatment of depressive
illness. However, it is not clear how exactly it works. One of the
hypotheses is that cell messengers are altered, which in turn alters the
amount of calcium within cells. Lithium, which is also used in treating
types of depression, may work the same way. This project will use a
prototype stimulator designed to mimic ECT, but using rat brain slices. This
stimulator allows simultaneous microscopic analysis of the slices,
measuring calcium levels. The role of the student is to assist in the image
analysis (a role in the preparation of tissue samples would be voluntary).
An alternative method for stimulating the samples is to use a magnetic
stimulator. For this, the MagstimTM facility within BSI will
be used and the student would have a role in using this equipment.
Expectations/Assessment
To be negotiated with the management team. A technical report will be required summarising the outcomes of the project.
Pre-requisite Knowledge
Nil, training will be given, however a knowledge of image analysis software would be useful.
Further details:awood @ swin.edu.au
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