Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research - Electrobiology
Our research is concentrated on the properties of HCN channels,expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. This current is present in cardiac and neuronal tissue and plays many roles e.g. in the generation of spontaneous (pacemaker) activity in the resting potential and in cable properties of dendrites.This current is studied with the two microelectrodes techique in intact oocytes as well as in inside-out patches. This allows us to study the mechanisms of use-dependent blockade by bradycardic agents, drugs known for their interaction with these channels at submicromolar concentrations. Another topic of our research is the study of the interactions of uremic toxins, known for their many effects on the central nervous system in cases of dysfunction of the kidneys. Dorsal root ganglion cells and spinal neurons are kept in culture for 6 to 10 weeks and the toxin-induced currents as well as the modification by these toxins of ligand-activated and voltage-activated currents are studied.
| Head: Prof. Dr. Pierre-Paul van Bogaert, MD, PhD |
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| Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research - Electrobiology University of Antwerp Campus Middelheim BE-2610 Antwerpen |
| Tel: +32 3 265 32 87 Fax: +32 3 265 33 26 |
| mail prof. van Bogaert |