Response Measures

Saccadic Eye Movements

Saccadic eye movements are one of the response measures we regularly employ. These eye movements are generated through well-defined neural pathways and provide a relatively specific index of GABA-ergic function. By coupling these responses with global assessments such as psychomotor function and sedation, we are able to probe the brain using benzodiazepines and other receptor agonists and antagonists to enhance understanding of not only the time course of specific effects, but also of endogenous hormones and neurotransmitters that affect response. 

Our continuing research brings together aging, endocrinologic changes (progesterone/allopregnanolone and DHEA) with age, and the GABA-RC. Concentration-response relationships, sensitivity to agonists and antagonists of the GABA system, and the development of tolerance are all a part of this NIMH-funded research.