RG Wotjak: Neuronal Plasticity
Group leader
Contact
Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry
Kraepelinstrasse 2
80804 Munich
Phone: +49-(0)89-30622-652
Fax: +49-(0)89-30622-610
E-mail: wotjak[a]mpipsykl.mpg.de
Scientific profile
We are interested in animal models of anxiety disorders and stress-induced psychopathology. The research group combines mouse genetics with imaging techniques, electrophysiology, neurochemical, histological, biochemical and behavioral analyses in order to characterize the biological basis of posttraumatic stress disorder and panic disorder. The ultimate goal is the identification of novel therapeutic intervention strategies and the development of novel approaches for monitoring therapy success. In this context, we pay particular attention to the pharmacological exploitation of the endocannabinoid system. By combining in vivo and ex vivo imaging techniques, we are going to identify the neuronal matrix underlying the long-term maintenance of exaggerated fear memories, generalized avoidance and hyperarousal. In addition, we are interested in processes involved in extinguishing of aversive memories, including optimization of exposure-based therapies, blockade of reconsolidation processes and true memory erasure.
Our methodological portfolio includes behavioral pharmacology, microdialysis, in vivo electrophysiology (recordings, microstimulation, optogenetics), in vivo imaging (magnetic resonance spectroscopy, manganese-enhanced MRI) and standard biochemical assays.
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