Neurophysiology of Basal Ganglia
and Regulation by Cannabinoids
Technics
We perform large-scale recordings of extracellular neuronal activity in freely behaving rodents. The recording tools include tetrodes, silicon probes and more conventional electrodes and allow us to record both local field potential oscillations and unit activity (up to 100 neurons simultaneously). We use versatile programming tools and sensors to design original behavioral paradigms. Quantification of both behavioral and neurophysiological signals is also performed with custom-made programs that allow flexible analysis.
Where are we?
Our laboratory is part of the IDIBAPS, one of the leading biomedical research institute in Spain. With the laboratories of Albert Compte and Mavi Sanchez-Vives, we form a group of System Neuroscience labs with complementary approaches, generating experimental and analytical collaborations.
In Barcelona, the lab is located in the Eixample, a central and very active neighborhood of Barcelona, full of architectural treasures.
We try to understand how the activity of population of neurons relates to behavioral performances. We focus our investigations on two topics. The first one is the processing of cognitive and sensory-motor information by the Basal Ganglia, a network of subcortical nuclei important for motor coordination and habit formation. The second one is to examine the impact of cannabinoids and endocannabinoids on brain function by relating behavioral alteration with change in network activity. You can find more details on our research here.
Research
David Robbe
David Robbe
DAvid Robbe