Kjell Fuxe, M.D.

Division of Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Research Focus

This division at the Department of Neuroscience studies the anatomy and function of central dopamine, noradrenalin and 5-hydroxytryptamine neurons, intercellular communication in the brain (especially volume transmission and its architecture), receptor-receptor interactions within receptor mosaics, and strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, depression, schizophrenia, cocaine addiction and cannabinoid abuse.

Our current focus is: (1) Adaptive changes in D2 receptor containing heteromeric receptor mosaics as a molecular mechanism for cocaine addiction and cannabis abuse where A2A agonists may prevent cocaine addiction; (2) Understanding the molecular mechanism behind the antiparkinsonian actions of A2A antagonists and an evaluation of CB1 and mGluR5 antagonists as a potential new antiparkinsonian therapy; (3) The existence of different types of galanin receptor/5-HT1A receptor mosaics and their role in depression and the introduction of galanin receptor antagonists as antidepressant drugs; (4) Neurotrophic effects on the 5-HT raphe-forebrain neuron system as a mechanism for the therapeutic actions of antidepressant drugs; (5) Understanding the molecular mechanism for the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTS1)/dopamine D2 receptor interaction and its relevance for schizophrenia and depression.

Selected Publications