Physiology Research - Neuroscience
Neuroscientists in the Department of Physiology examine the function of both the central
and peripheral nervous systems. Students interested in neuroscience are encouraged
to participate in programs and classes offered through the Graduate Program in Neuroscience .
Jessica Filosa, PhD
706-721-8901 / jfilosa@augusta.edu / CV
My major research interest is to gain understanding of the signaling mechanisms governing
bi-directional communication among the various cell types within the brain. In particularly,
I am interested in the communication between neurons & their surrounding glial & vascular
cells. Recent findings have demonstrated an important role for astrocytes as intercellular
bridges between the state of neuronal activity & vascular dynamics (or neurovascular
coupling). These findings have led to a number of different hypotheses addressing
the potential role astrocytes have in neurovascular coupling.
Dr. Filosa's Publications
Philip O'Herron, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Physiology
706-721-9103 / poherron@augusta.edu / CV
My lab’s research focuses on questions of neurovascular coupling & visual processing.
Our neurovascular coupling works seeks to determine how neural activity in the cortex
drives the hemodynamic responses (functional hyperemia) &, in turn, how neurons depend
on the increased blood flow to active regions.
Dr. O'Herron's Publications
Ruth Harris, PhD
Regents' Professor, Physiology
706-721-4479 / ruharris@augusta.edu / CV
My research focuses on factors that influence the control of food intake, body weight
& body composition. We have an emphasis on the role of leptin, a hormone that is secreted
by adipose tissue & acts to suppress food intake as well as modify peripheral metabolism
and insulin sensitivity. Currently, we are examining how leptin responses in different
areas of the brain are integrated to reduce meal size, energy intake & body fat mass.
Dr. Harris' Publications
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan
Nothing says cardiovascular neuroscience like a heart shaped brain cell.
Brain-stem neuron that regulates sympathetic nervous system outputs to the heart and
blood vessels. The red shot shows that it is a single labeled neuron that was recorded
from under physiological conditions in the rat. The right photo in situ hybridization
showing the GABA phenotype of this cell.
Dr. Ann Schreihofer, former Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology