Sven Ove Ögren, Ph.D.

Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory

Research Focus

The group studies integrative functions of the brain with focus on cognitive mechanisms underlying complex behaviour. This field of research, called cognitive or behavioural neuroscience, is in its character multidisciplinary in which behavioural studies are complemented by information from studies of neuroanatomy, neurochemistry and molecular biological techniques.

The work of the group centers around the role of the hippocampus in cognitive functions with a particular focus on the role of the neurochemical systems in the hippocampus and related brain areas.

The studies of cognitive functions have led to findings which have implications for both depression and schizophrenia. Cognitive dysfunctions are found in many different disorders and can be regarded as an endophenotype. However, the mechanisms underlying the various effects on cognition differ and an important current aim of the group is to characterize the pathways and neurochemical deficits behind the cognitive dysfunctions seen in depression and schizophrenia.

Current focus of the group: 1) Studies of interactions between 5-HT1A- and NMDA-receptors in the hippocampus and its implication for cognition. 2) Modulatory action of galanin on 5-HT1Areceptors in the hippocampus and in the dorsal raphe, implications for depression. 3) Interaction between the 5-HT1Breceptors and glutamatergic and cholinergic systems in the hippocampus. 4) Characterization of galanin-receptor subtypes in animal depression models. 5) Investigation of the NMDA-receptors systems involved in the cognitive deficits induced by phencyclidine. 6) An animal model for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia?

Selected Publications