Gamma frequency oscillations in rodent models for schizophrenia

© 2014 Dr. Paul Michael AndersonCompleted under a Cotutelle arrangement between the University of Melbourne and the Université de StrasbourgSchizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder that is characterised by a breakdown in normal thought processes, blunted emotional responses and a variety of cognitive difficulties. Gamma frequency (30 – 80 Hz) oscillations are associated with many processes that are disrupted in people with schizophrenia memory, perception and attention. This thesis aimed to develop methods and tools to investigate the basic mechanisms that underlie the alterations in gamma frequency brain activity that are observed in patients suffering from schizophrenia. To do this we developed a variety of experimental animal models for schizophrenia. We successfully demonstrated that both genetic and pharmacological changes lead to alterations in gamma oscillations and that antipsychotic medications can modulate them