Assoc.Prof.Priv.Doz.Dr. Ornella Valenti, MSc
Department(s): Department of Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology (Center for Physiology and Pharmacology)
Position: Associate Professor
Location: Schwarzspanierstraße 17
Telephone: 40160-31220
E-Mail:
Research Area:
Biological Psychiatry, Neuropharmacology, Neurophysiology and behavioral
Research Interests:
Adenosine, Affective Disorders, Psychotic, Alzheimer Disease, Association Learning, Cerebral Cortex, Cognition Disorders, Decision Making, Dopamine, Electrophysiology, Extinction, Psychological, GABAergic Neurons, Limbic System, Memory, Mental Retardation, X-Linked, Motivation, Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate, Reward, Schizophrenia, Stress, Physiological
Principle Investigator(s):
Interest Group(s):
- AddRess - Center for Addiction Research & Science
- Neurobiology of Emotion and Cognition
- Neuropsychopharmacology
Abstract:
I am interested in neuronal circuits supporting cognition, motivation, and pro-social behavior. In addition, I examine the means by which the experience of early-life stress might enhance the risk of developing psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.
Techniques:
We employ a system as well as a cellular approach in behavioral and genetic murine models, and investigate the dynamics of specific neuronal circuits by a battery of electrophysiological approaches and pharmacological manipulations. As part of Prof. Boehm group, we also have access to confocal and fluorescence microscopes, and to a molecular biology lab. Techniques include:
- Electrophysiology, in-vivo and ex-vivo single unit recordings from anesthetized rodents;
- Electrophysiology, whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from rodent acute slices;
- Pharmacological and chemogenetic manipulation of brain circuits;
- Cognitive and motivational behavioral tasks;
- Rodent models of psychosis, motivation and stress disorders;
- Immunohistochemistry