Ricerc@Sapienza

Previous studies have shown that injection of the mGlu5 receptor positive allosteric modulator (PAM)
VU0360172 into either the thalamus or somatosensory cortex markedly reduces the frequency of spike-and-wave
discharges (SWDs) in the WAG/Rij model of absence epilepsy. Here we have investigated the effects of
VU0360172 on GABA transport in the thalamus and somatosensory cortex, as possible modes of action underlying
the suppression of SWDs. Systemic VU0360172 injections increase GABA uptake in thalamic synaptosomes

Background:

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocols can be used to induce Hebbian plasticity in the human brain. A modified, cross-modal version, of the PAS (cross-modal PAS, cm-PAS) has been recently developed. The cm-PAS consists in the repetitive pairings of a transcranial magnetic

Neuroplastic changes in somatotopic organization within the motor and somatosensory systems have long been observed. The interruption of afferent and efferent brain-body pathways promotes extensive cortical reorganization. Changes are majorly related to the typical homuncular organization of sensorimotor areas and specific "somatotopic interferences". Recent findings revealed a relevant peripheral contribution to the plasticity of body representation in addition to the role of sensorimotor cortices.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is one of the most common human inborn errors of metabolism, caused by phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency, leading to high phenylalanine and low tyrosine levels in blood and brain causing profound cognitive disability, if untreated. Since 1960, population is screened for hyperphenylalaninemia shortly after birth and submitted to early treatment in order to prevent the major manifestations of the disease.