Daniel J. Uhlrich

 

 

Neural Modulation of Visual Signals in the Thalamus; Photosensitive Epilepsy

E-mail: duhlrich@wisc.edu

Office Phone: (608) 262-8465, (608) 262-8466

Research Strengths: Neural Circuits, Neurobiology of Disease , Perception and Movement

The thalamus is the location where ascending visual signals destined for cerebral cortex for perception can be modified as a function of behavioral states. The thalamus also acts as an intermediary for cortico-cortical communication. Our research aims to understand the anatomical and electrophysiological bases of these processes using neuroanatomical and immunohistochemical light and electron microscopic methods and single- and multi-unit electrophysiological recordings with activation of specific neuromodulatory projections.

Thalamo-cortical neural circuitry is also involved in the generation of normal brain rhythms that occur across the sleep wake cycle and in the pathological rhythms of absence (petit mal) epilepsy. Absence seizures can be triggered by flashing visual stimuli, and we are studying the thalamic mechanisms that lead to the onset of these phototriggered seizures.

Selected Publications:

• Uhlrich, D.J., K.A. Manning, S.L. Feig. 2003 Laminar and cellular targets of individual thalamic reticular nucleus axons in the lateral geniculate nucleus in the prosimian primate Galago. J. Comp. Neurol. 458: 128-143.
• Briska, A.M., D.J. Uhlrich, and W.W. Lytton. 2000. Independent dendritic domains in the thalamic circuit. Neurocomputing 32-33: 299-305.
• Lord-Plummer, K., K.A. Manning, A.I. Levey, H.D. Rees, and D.J. Uhlrich. 1999. Muscarinic receptor subtypes in the lateral geniculate nucleus: A light and electron microscopic analysis. J. Comp. Neurol. 404: 408-425.
• Zhu, J.J., W.W. Lytton, J-T. Xue, and D.J. Uhlrich. 1999. An intrinsic oscillation in interneurons of the rat lateral geniculate nucleus. J. Neurophysiol. 81: 702-711.
• Zhu, J.J. and D.J. Uhlrich. 1997. Nicotinic receptor-mediated responses in relay cells and interneurons in the rat lateral geniculate nucleus. Neuroscience 80: 191-202.