New research to be unveiled on 21st July has identified that a form of inhibition in the brain that influences cognitive processes is regulated by alcohol, sex hormones, and anaesthetics and is altered by conditions such as epilepsy.

This fascinating insight into the regulation of this inhibition will be unveiled on Thursday July 21st at the joint meeting of the Physiological Society of the UK and Ireland, and the Federation of European Physiological Societies, being held at The University of Bristol.

The brain consists of 100 billion neurons, which communicate with one another principally by releasing either excitatory or inhibitory chemicals in specialised regions called synapses.

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The main inhibitory transmitter in the brain is called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA regulates brain excitability, cognition, consciousness and memory. Although GABA is released at synapses, research in the last decade has identified an additional way in which GABA can regulate neuronal function; GABA in the fluid that surrounds neurons can act on receptors outside the synapse, mediating a persistent form of inhibition. This has been termed tonic inhibition and acts much like a volume control turning the excitability of neurons up or down. By using drugs that target this form of inhibition, it is possible to modulate memory and consciousness.

Dr Matthew Walker, from University College London comments: "At the Bristol symposium, the effects of sex hormones, drugs and anaesthetics on this form of inhibition will be discussed with regard to memory.

"On Thursday 21st, we will provide evidence that this form of signaling is modified by diseases such as epilepsy in which there is an up-regulation of tonic inhibition that may counter the excessive excitation in the epileptic brain. This up-regulation occurs perhaps at the expense of memory and cognition and may be a mechanism that contributes to the memory problems encountered in people with epilepsy."

He concludes: "Progress in understanding this form of inhibition is burgeoning and its relevance to health and disease is only now becoming apparent."

Dr Matthew Walker will be presenting his research findings at the University of Bristol on Thursday 21st July. The Conference runs from 20th July to 23rd July 2005.

What is the Physiological Society?

Founded in 1876, The Physiological Society is a learned society with approximately 2,500 members drawn from over 50 countries. The majority of members are engaged in research, in universities or industry, into how the body works. The Society's main aims are to promote the advancement of physiology and to facilitate communication, both between scientists and with other stakeholders.

To achieve these objectives, the Society supports annual meetings, publishes two journals and awards grants to allow members to travel and collaborate. Interaction with outside bodies is encouraged through representation on various councils and committees, and active membership of the Biosciences Federation.

For further information on the Bristol event or to attend, please contact:
Dan Alder / Blaise Hammond / Vanessa Green on Tel: 020 8752 3200 or email: danfusepr / blaisefuseprVanessafusepr

Or

Dr Cherry Lewis, Research Communications Manager, University of Bristol on Tel: 0117 928 8086 or email: cherry.lewisbristol.ac