ProfessorJohn O'Connor

Synaptic Physiology 
My research interests lie in the area of synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system, in vitro and in vivo electrophysiological recordings and skeletal and smooth muscle physiology. Particular research interests include field and patch-clamp methodologies and synaptic plasticity including long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. This area of research with the 'blind' whole-cell patch clamp technique is concentrated on excitatory amino acid neurotransmission (glutamate) and LTP in the hippocampal slice. This activity dependent enhancement of synaptic transmission in the vertebrate brain is now widely used for the investigation of cellular mechanisms for memory formation. 
Neuroimmunology
My research group are particularly interested in neuron to neuron signaling in the brain and how the immune system interacts with this. We are particularly interested in how pro-inflammatory molecules modulate synaptic plasticity (a model for memory formation) before and during hypoxic insults to neurons. To this end we are currently investigating how neurons adapt to acute hypoxic and low glucose exposure. 
Fast Cyclic Voltammetry 
Previously we have monitored neurotransmitter release using novel voltammetric techniques from various brain regions. Voltammetry offers the chance to monitor the release and reuptake of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in "real time" in dorsal raphe (5-HT), suprachiasmatic nucleus (5-HT) and striatum (dopamine). Specifically we have in the past investigated the real time monitoring of neuro-transmitter release (dopamine, noradrenaline and 5-HT) in the brain using the technique of fast cyclic voltammetry in collaboration with NUIM. 
Isolated human myometrium
Professor O' Connor had collaborations with a number of anaesthetists in the Coombe Women's Hospital in Dublin. Isolated term human myometrium was regularly obtained and isometric recordings taken from tissue. We are particularly interested in the effects of ergometrine on contractility and its use as a second line uterotonic agent. We are also interested in the actions of specific prostaglandins on frequency and amplitude of contractions.