Experience- and state-dependent modulations of synaptic strength shape the functional structure of the brain, recruiting relevant networks in a particular context and supporting behavioural adaptation.

Therefore, synapse dynamics are transformed somehow into network dynamics.
Yet, despite the importance of this phenomenon for brain physiology and behaviour, little is known about how experimentally measured regional synaptic modifications alter the activity of global, widespread neural networks. We aim at investigating how local synaptic plasticity shapes the functional structure of the brain and conditions network dynamics in the context of learning and memory.

We apply cutting-edge technology combining concomitantly fMRI and electrophysiological techniques in the rat to dynamically map functional connectivity (with special attention to cortico-hipocampal communication).

Our multidisciplinary approach is completed with behavioural testing and fMRI-targetted multi-site, multi-channel recordings in awake animals solving learning tasks (i.e. odor discrimination tasks).

Canals, S.*, Beyerlein, M. and Logothetis, N.K. (2009) Functional MRI evidence for LTP-induced neural network reorganization. Curr. Biol. 19(5):398-403.

Canals, S.*, Larrosa, B., Pintor, J., Mena, M.A., Herreras O. (2008) Metabolic challenge to glia activates an adenosine-mediated safety mechanism that promotes neuronal survival by delaying the onset of spreading depression waves. J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab. 28(11):1835-44.

Canals, S.*, Beyerlein, M., Murayama Y. and Logothetis, N.K. (2008) Electric stimulation fMRI of the perforant pathway to the rat hippocampus. Magn. Reson. Imaging. 26:978-986.

Canals, S.*, Beyerlein, M., Keller, A.L., Murayama Y. and Logothetis N.K.* (2008) Magnetic Resonance Imaging of cortical connectivity in vivo. Neuroimage. 40(2):458-72.

Canals, S., Makarova, I., Lopez-Aguado, L., Largo, C., Ibarz, JM., Herreras, O. (2005) Longitudinal depolarization gradients along the somatodendritic axis of CA1 pyramidal cells: a novel feature of spreading depression. J. Neurophysiol. 94(2):943-51.

Canals, S., López-Aguado, L., Herreras, O. (2005). Synaptically recruited apical currents are required to initiate axonal and apical spikes in hippocampal pyramidal cells: modulation by inhibition. J. Neurophysiol. 93(2):909-18.

Electrophysiology (sharp intracellular and extracellular recordings in vitro and in vivo, multi channel recordings in vivo, microdialysis, etc.).

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) contrast.

Concomitant application of fMRI, electrophysiological recordings and electric microstimulation.

Manganese enhanced MRI (MEMRI) for neuronal-tract tracing in vivo and fMRI in freely behaving animals.