Investigating the contribution of astrocyte function to impulsive behaviour

While traditionally thought to primarily support neuronal function, there is increasing evidence to suggest astrocytes play an important role in regulating cognition and behaviour. We have evidence that rats with naturally high levels of impulsive behaviour demonstrate increased markers of astrocyte activation within the brain. In the current project we will use a chemogenetic approach (DREADDs) to examine the effect of altering the activity of astrocytes on impulsive behaviour in rats and determine the influence of this manipulation on brain activity using positron emission tomography.