Steven P. Schneider, Ph.D.

Professor, College of Osteopathic Medicine. BS, Electrical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 1973. PhD, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Emory University, 1982.

Areas of Research Interest

Sensory and integrative function of the spinal cord; functional architecture of neural networks; synaptic transmission between spinal interneurons; mechanisms of neural plasticity in spinal cord

The dorsal horn of the spinal cord is a key structure that is vital for integrating sensory information from the body and mediating reflex behaviors. My research focuses on two aspects of the dorsal horn. One set of studies explores the architecture of neural networks formed by dorsal horn interneurons. Knowing the organization of these complex circuits is crucial to an understanding of normal spinal function. The other investigates alterations in neuronal function that contribute to painful sensory sequelae of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury.

To address these aims, our lab employs a combination of contemporary neurobiological techniques applied to in vitro slice preparations of mammalianspinal cord. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings, in conjunction with video microscopy, are used to examine physiological properties and synaptic connectivity of spinal interneurons and the basis for activity-related alterations in their signaling characteristics. Intracellular staining provides anatomical information about the connectivity of local circuit neurons established through electrophysiological means. Through combined application of immunocytochemical techniques and laser scanning confocal microscopy we are also probing expression of neurochemical markers in spinal interneurons and relationships to synaptic function. These studies will enhance our understanding of fundamental spinal cord neurobiology and ultimately foster new avenues for treatment of chronic pain.

Representative Publications:

1. Schneider, S.P. Functional properties and axon terminations of interneurons in laminae III-V of the mammalian spinal cord. J. Neurophysiol. 68: 1746-1759, 1992.
2. Schneider, S.P. and Perl, E.R. Synaptic mediation from cutaneous mechanical nociceptors. J. Neurophysiol. 72: 612-621, 1994.
3. Nasstrom, J., Schneider, S.P., and Perl, E.R. Analysis of differential L-glutamate sensitivity in superficial dorsal horn neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 72: 2956-2965, 1994.
4. Schneider, S.P., Sandiford, D.R., Kavookjian, A.M., and Johnson, B.D. Synaptic connectivity of local circuit neurons in laminae III-IV of hamster spinal cord. J. Comp. Neurol. 355: 380-391, 1995.
5. Schneider, S.P. and McNaughton, K.K. Differential expression of intrinsic firing properties by identified interneurons in spinal laminae III-V. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., 21(1): 382, 1995.
6. Schneider, S.P. Alterations of firing patterns and activation of slow potentials in deep dorsal horn interneurons by direct stimulation. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr. 22(1): 859, 1996.
7. Schneider, S.P., Eckert, W.A. and Light, A.R. Opioid-activated postsynaptic, inward rectifying potassium currents in whole-cell recordings in substantia gelatinosa neurons. J. Neurophysiol. 80: 2954-2962, 1998.
8. Schneider, S.P. and Lopez, M. GABAergic function of identified interneurons in spinal laminae III-V as demonstrated by two-color laser scanning confocal microscopy. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., 25(1): 402,1999.
9. Schneider, S.P. Properties of synaptic potentials evoked at connections between local axon interneurons in spinal dorsal horn. Soc. Neurosci. Abstr., 2001.

Other Publications: