Mechanism and the role of estrogen-induced non-genomic actions in cholinergic and GnRH neurons
Neuroprotective action of estrogen
The effect of estrogen on second messenger pathways of cholinergic and GnRH neurons following immune-challenge
Current Funding:
Marsden Fund (2009-2012)
University of Otago Research Grant (2009-2010)
New Zealand Neurological Foundation (2008-2011)
Otago Medical Research Foundation (2007-2009)
Hungarian Scientific Research Foundation (2004-2008)
Hungarian Health Ministry Foundation (2004-2008)
Previous Funding:
OSMS Dean's Strategic Equipment Fund (2008)
University of Otago School of Medical Sciences Bequest Fund (2007-2009)
Marie Curie Reintegration Grant (EU) (2004-2006)
Marie Curie Grant (EU) (2000-2002)
Hungarian Scientific Research Foundation (1996-1999, 1999-2004)
Richter Gedeon Ltd Fund (2004-2006)
Research Personnel:
Dr Andrea Kwakowsky (Postdoctoral Fellow)
Zsuszanna Barad (Assistant Research Fellow)
Emeline Tolod-Kemp (Assistant Research Fellow)
Daniil Potapov (Research Assistant)
Rachel Cheong (PhD Student)
Zsombor Koszegi (PhD Student)
Marion Turnbull (Hons Student)
Recent publications:
Original Papers
Kwakowsky A, Schwirtlich M, Kooy F, Ábrahám I, Máté Z, Katarova Z, & Szabó G. GABA neurotransmitter signaling in the developing mouse lens: dynamic regulation of components and functionality. 2008, Developmental Dynamics, 237: 3830-3841.
Romanò N, Lee K, Ábrahám IM, Jasoni CL, & Herbison AE. Non-classical estrogen modulation of presynaptic GABA release regulates calcium homeostasis in adult gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. 2008, Endocrinology, 149(11): 5335-5344.
Papp AM, Nyilas R, Szepesi Z, Lörincz ML, Takács E, Ábrahám I, Szilágyi N, Tóth J, Medveczky P, Szilágyi L, Jahász G, & Juhász G. Visible light induces matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression in rat eye. 2007, J. Neurochemistry, 103: 2224-33.
Ábrahám IM, Meerlo P, Luiten PGM. Concentration dependent actions of glucocorticoids on neuronal viability and survival. 2006, Dose-Response, Invited Review, 4: 38-54.
Kovács Z, Kékesi KA, Ábrahám, I, Székács D, Király N, Papp E, Császár É, Szego K, Barabás M, Andrásfalvy A, Erdei T, Bártfai T, Juhász G. Facilitation of spike-wave discharge activity by LPS in WAG/Rij rats. 2006, Neuroscience, 131: 945-951.
Barabás K, Szego MÉ, Kaszás A, Nagy MG, Juhász G, Ábráham IM. Sex differences in estrogen-induced p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation in the mouse brain in vivo. 2006, J. Neuroendocrinology, 18: 621-8.
Szego É, Barabás K, Balog J, Szilágyi N, Korach KS, Juhász G, and Ábrahám IM. Estrogen Induces Estrogen Receptor α Dependent CREB Phosphorylation via MAPK Pathway in Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons in vivo. 2006, J. Neurosci, 26: 4104-10.
Barabás K, Szego MÉ, Kaszás A, Nagy MG, Juhász G, Ábrahám IM. Sex differences in estrogen-induced p44/42 MAPK phosphorylation in the mouse brain in vivo. 2006, J. Neuroendocrinology, 18: 621-8.
Ábrahám IM and Herbison AE. Major sex differences in non-genomic estrogen actions on intracellular signaling in mouse brain in vivo. 2005, Neuroscience 131: 945-951.
Ábrahám IM, Todman, MG, Korach KS, Herbison AE. Critical in vivo roles for classical estrogen receptors in rapid estrogen actions on intracellular signaling in the brain. 2004. Endocrinology, 145: 3055-61.
Ábrahám IM, Han S-K, Todman, MG, Korach KS, Herbison AE. Estrogen receptor-β mediates rapid estrogen actions on gonadotropin–releasing hormone neurons in vivo. 2003. J. Neurosci, 23: 5771-5777.
Invited Reviews:
Ábrahám IM, Harkany T, Horvath KM, Luiten PGM. Action of glucocorticoids on survival of nerve cells: promoting neurodegeneration or neuroprotection? 2001. J Neuroendocrinol, 13: 749-761.
Ábrahám, IM, Meerlo P, Luiten PGM. Concentration dependent actions of glucocorticoids on neuronal viability and survival. 2006. Dose-Response, 4: 38-54.
Invited speaker at recent meetings:
5th International meting on Steroids and nervous system, Torino, Italy, 20-24 February 2009: "Estrogen-induced neuroprotection on basal forebrain cholinergic neurons." (and chair)
MedSci Congress, Queenstown, 25-28 November 2008: "Non-classical estrogen action on cholinergic neurons"
Australasian Neuroendocrine Conference, Christchurch, 08/31-01/09, 2007, “Non-classical effect of estrogen in the brain: from membrane to nucleus”
International Toxicological Forum, 22-26/10/2006, Brussels, Belgium: “Non-genomic effect of estrogen and Bisphenol-A: mechanism and physiological relevances.”
Recent Presentations:
Szego EM, Janaky T, Casorba A, Juhasz GD, Ábrahám IM. Estrogen-induced regeneration of the basal forebrain cholinergic neurons and the possible mechanisms. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. USA, 2007, 56.6.
Barabas K, Barad Z, Ádori M, Juhasz G, Sármay G, Ábrahám IM. Immune-challenge induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons in vivo. Soc.Neurosci. Abstr. USA, 2007, 195.15.
Balog J, Szego ÉM, Erdei F, Szabo G, Juhasz G, Ábrahám IM. Sex differences in rapid estrogen action and estrogen receptor expression in GABAergic neurons in vivo. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. USA, 2007, 195.16.
Barabas K, Barad Z, Ádori M, Sármay G, Ábrahám IM. The role of estrogen on immune-challenge induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation in gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. International meeting Steroids and nervous system. Torino, Italy, 2007, February.
Balog J, Szego EM, Erdei F, Szabo G, Juhasz G, Abraham IM. Effect of gonadectomy on sex differences in rapid estrogen action and estrogen receptor expression in GABAergic neurons in vivo. Internatonal meeting Steroids and nervous system. Torino, Italy, 2007, February.
Teaching:
Cellular and Molecular Neurophysiology (PHSL 341)
Neurophysiology (PHSL 231)
Trends in Physiological Research (PHSL 360)
Laboratory exercises (PHSL 231)
