Jian Mu, M.D.
Research Assistant professor
Nanjing Medical University, P.R.China (1959)

One of the key determinants of neural transmission and systems-level neural integration is the interaction of the intrinsic membrane properties of neurons with their synaptic inputs. I study these issues using the thalamus as a model system, in collaboration with Dr. Dwayne Godwin. We are particularly interested in how brainstem neuromodulatory influences affect visual information flow through the thalamus. We use a combination of whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology and neuropharmacological tools to explore the role of the free radical gas nitric oxide (NO) within our system. NO is implicated in a number of vital physiological processes, thus our inquiries extend beyond the thalamus to common CNS mechanisms of learning and neuropathology.

Selected Publications:

Kurukulasuriya NC, Mu J, Frank S and Godwin DW. Nitric oxide modulates glutamatergic neurotransmission in the thalamus. Soc neurosci Abstr 26:1195,2000

Kurukulasuriya NC, Mu J, O'donovan CA, Bell WL and Godwin DW. Nitric oxide modulates excitatory neurotransmission in the thalamus: Implications for epilepsy. Epilepsia 41(7):9 2000

Mu J, Zhuang SY, Hampson RE and Deadwyler SA. Protein kinas-dependent phosphorylation and cannabinoid receptor modulation of potassium A (IA) in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. European Journal of Physiology(Plugers Arch) 2000;439(5):541-546

Mu J, Zhuang SY, Hampson RE and Deadwyler SA. Interaction between cannabinoids and kappa opioid receptor in cultured hippocampal neurons. Accepted by Journal of Physiology 2000

Mu J, Zhuang SY,Kirby MT,hampsonRE and Deadwyler SA. Cannabinoid receptors differentially modulate potassium A and D currents in hippocampal neurons in culture. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1999:291:893-902

E-mail: jianmu@wfubmc.edu