The research in my laboratory is concerned with the organization and development of the cerebral cortex, as well as the impact of the prenatal and neonatal environments on the final organization of this brain region. Our studies focus on the organization and synaptic features of cortical areas, with particular emphasis on cortico-cortical, cortico-thalamic and local circuit neurons. These in vivo studies of cortical organization and development are complemented by in vitro studies using primary neuronal cultures to explore the impact of neurotransmitters and growth factors on the expression of specific features of neuronal phenotype. Among the studies currently in progress in the laboratory are: 1) an examination of the timing and distribution of expression of different neurotransmitter substances in the cerebral cortex; 2) examination of the pattern of synaptogenesis in the human cerebral cortex; 3) an analysis of the role of GABA, glutamate and FGF on neuronal proliferation and transmitter phenotype; and 4) studies of the impact of hypoxia on the emergence of cortical connections. The studies in the lab utilize a variety of techniques including fetal and adult neurosurgery, light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM), immunocytochemistry and tract tracing methods at both the LM and EM levels.