J. Martin Wojtowicz, Ph.D
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- Contact Information:
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Phone: (416) 978-2899 Fax: (416) 978-4373 Email: martin.wojtowicz@utoronto.ca Webpage: http://www.newneuron.com/ Address: Department of Physiology
Medical Sciences Building, Room 3214
University of Toronto
1 King's College Circle
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M5S 1A8
ACADEMIC STATUS
Departmental Status: Full Professor & Graduate Co-Coordinator
Primary/Cross-Appointments: Department of Physiology
Degrees: Ph.D. 1978
Courses taught: Graduate - Psl 1026 Physiological experimentation, Psl 1050 Hippocampus (organizer). Undergraduate - Psl 440 Systems Neuroscience, Psl 374 Advanced physiology laboratory.
RESEARCH
Research Divisions: Platform Head, Brain Research and Integrated Neurophysiology B.R.A.I.N. PlatformResearch Interests: Mechanisms and Functions of adult neurogenesis in the mammalian brain.
Keywords: Synapse / Hippocampus / Neuronal Plasticity / Adult Neurogenesis / Learning and Memory, Alzheimer’s disease, Stroke
Detailed Description: Mechanism of long-term neuronal plasticity in rat brain. Research is directed towards understanding of long-term changes in brain circuit organization and synaptic connections during learning. Experiments are done primarily in vivo or in brain slices with the use of immunohistochemical, electrophysiological, ultrastructural, pharmacological techniques. These are supplemented by targeted behavioural tests. Questions under investigation are: a) What are the molecular and physiological factors controlling the rate of neuronal production and growth in the adult brain? b) What is the role of the new-born neurons in the dentate gyrus ? c) What are the differences between young and old neurons co-existing within the adult brain structure? d) Is cognitive decline with aging caused by decrease in hippocampal neurogenesis.
METHODS USED
Cell and tissue culture: Brain Slice.Procedures: Electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, stereotaxic brain surgery.