Highlights from Neuronus Neuroscience Forum 2024
On April 24-27, the Neuronus Neuroscience Forum 2024 took place, featuring PhD students Maciej Degutis and Magdalena Rak, as well as our Master’s student Mateusz, who presented their posters. The Neuronus Neuroscience Forum is an international scientific conference organized by students and young scientists associated with the Jagiellonian University in Krakow. It is one of the most significant scientific events in Poland, focusing on neuroscience and related scientific areas.
Magdalena’s poster, titled “The effects of E-98, a novel histamine H3 receptor antagonist, on nerve injury-induced deficits in locomotor activity and memory performance in neuropathic mice” explores the impact of E-98 on pain, anxiety, and memory performance in mice with neuropathic pain induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI). It aims to assess whether E-98 can alleviate pain and improve cognitive functions without altering hippocampal monoamine levels. The findings suggest potential therapeutic benefits of E-98 for treating neuropathic pain and related cognitive impairments.
Maciej’s poster, titled “The effects of histamine H3 receptor antagonist, pitolisant on nociceptive transmission in a neuropathic pain model and inflammatory response of glial cells in primary cultures” examines the analgesic effects of the histamine H3 receptor antagonist, pitolisant (PIT), on neuropathic pain in mice and its impact on glial cell activation in primary cultures. PIT was tested for its ability to reduce pain and modulate inflammatory responses in glial cells. The findings suggest that PIT has dose-dependent analgesic effects in neuropathic mice and can influence glial cell activation, demonstrating its potential for treating chronic pain through modulation of the inflammatory response.
Mateusz, supervised by Magda Białoń, presented his poster titled “β-caryophyllene ameliorates hyperactivity and restores frontal dopamine metabolism in a rat model of schizophrenia”. His project investigates the effects of β-caryophyllene (BCP), a CB2 receptor agonist, on schizophrenia-like behaviors and dopamine metabolism in the frontal cortex of rats treated with MK-801, an NMDA receptor antagonist. It aims to determine if BCP can alleviate hyperactivity and restore normal dopamine levels without affecting anxiety-related behavior. The results suggest that BCP may have therapeutic potential for regulating dopamine neurotransmission in schizophrenia.
The conference is held annually and attracts participants from all over the world, including leading researchers and experts in neuroscience, neurology, psychology, psychiatry, and other fields related to the study of the brain and nervous system. The Neuronus Neuroscience Forum program includes plenary lectures, oral presentations, and poster sessions, allowing young researchers to present their research and discuss it with experienced professionals.
The Forum also provides an excellent opportunity for networking and the exchange of experiences between researchers from different countries, fostering international cooperation and joint research projects.
Neuronus Neuroscience Forum 2024 was also an opportunity to meet our Former Members: Mateusz Kucharczyk, Jakub Mlost, Natalia Malek and her students. Furthermore, Sara Xapelli, who is Assistant Professor of Neuroscience at Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, joined us for lunch. It was an occasion to share our impressions about the event.
