During the development of new research trends at the Institute, the Department of Cryophysiology under the supervision of Academician Prof. Dr. Radoslav Anđus was established in the early 1960s. Later, the Department of Neurophysiology was established thanks to Dr. Mira Pašić, professor of the Faculty of Biology. The main objective was to examine the neurophysiological basis of behavior at the cellular level.

Using classical electrophysiological techniques (current clamp and voltage clamp), staff of the Department under the supervision of Dr. Gordana Kartelija contributed to establishing the fundamental biophysical properties of individual neurons of the snail Helix pomatia. This research was a starting point for further analysis of functional properties of neurons affected by different active substances and environmental factors (temperature, light, magnetic fields,...) and the mechanisms of neuromodulation.

In addition to classical electrophysiological studies on the snail ganglion complex, recently the biophysical properties of vertebrate nerve cells are analyzed using modern techniques. The patch clamp technique is used to examine the whole-cell ionic currents and the properties of single ion channels in cultured nerve cells.

Electrophysiological signals are analyzed using linear and nonlinear mathematical methods (wavelet and fractal analysis), and advanced statistical methods (independent component analysis). Application of these methods allows detailed analysis of the activity of individual neurons and neuronal populations.

Scientific interest of the Department is extended towards investigation of morpho-functional characteristics of the brain and behavior of experimental animals. The effects of different neuroactive substances, magnetic fields and aging are estimated in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Neuronal and glial cells are analyzed using immunohistochemical labeling methods and changes of some biochemical parameters in the brain are examined. Animal behavior in specific tests (open field, plus maze, Porsolt forced swim, object recognition, light/dark box,...) is automatically monitored and analyzed using the Any-maze software.

Emphasis is placed on clearly defined neurological and psychiatric diseases in humans. The pathogenic mechanisms involved in the onset of these disorders and pharmacologically active substances which could act protective are studied using animal models (chemically induced seizures for epilepsy and application of aluminum that is associated with the etiology of Alzheimer's disease). These aims are examined on the basis of biochemical and immunohistochemical changes in some brain structures and clinical manifestation of disorders.

GENERAL TOPICS:

Electrophysiology of nerve cells
Analysis of electrophysiological signals
Morpho-functional characteristics of the brain
Animal behavior
Neuroactive substances
Magnetic fields
Animal models