Stephen P. Schneider

 schnei98@msu.edu

Research Interests

Mechanisms of Spinal Sensory Integration:
The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a key structure that is vital for integrating diverse sensory information and mediating segmental reflexes. Our research focuses on two aspects of the dorsal horn. One set of studies explores the functional architecture of neural networks formed by dorsal horn interneurons that interact extensively with one another. The other concerns alterations in network function that may contribute to sensory abnormalities, including pain, subsequent to spinal cord or peripheral injury. We employ a combination of contemporary electrophysiological, anatomical and pharmacological techniques applied to in vitro slice preparations of mammalian spinal cord. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings in conjunction with infrared video microscopy are being used to examine intrinsic membrane properties and firing patterns of single interneurons and the bases for activity-related alterations in their signaling characteristics. Mechanisms underlying neuronal firing plasticity are being examined with the use of selective pharmacological probes. Intracellular staining is employed to provide anatomical identification of physiologically characterized neurons and information about their connectivity. With immunocytochemical techniques and laser scanning confocal microscopy we are attempting to identify synaptic function of identified interneurons. Thus our research hopes to define the functional, structural, and neurochemical features of somatosensory information processing to establish mechanisms underlying painful sequelae to spinal and peripheral injury.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my research.

Selected Publications

Search all publications in the NCBI Journal Database

Schneider, S.P. Mechanosensory afferent input and neurtonal firing properties in rodent spinal laminae III-V: Re-examination of relationships with analysis of responses to static and time-varying stimuli.  Brain Res.1034: 71:89, 2005.

Alvarez, F.J., Villalba, R.M., Zerda, R. and Schneider, S.P. Vesicular glutamate transporters inn the spinal cord, with special reference to sensory primary afferent synapses. J. Comp. Neur. 472: 257:280, 2004.

Schneider, S.P. Spike frequency adaptation and signaling properties of identified neurons in rodent deep spinal dorsal horn. J. Neurophysiol. 90: 245:258, 2003.