Alan Brichta
School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy
New Castle University
Australia
Biography
Alan Brichta is a neurobiologist with research interests in the anatomy and physiology of peripheral and central vestibular system. In particular, his studies have focused on vestibular hair cells and their associated primary afferents and has recently developed an isolated preparation of the mouse inner ear to study these unusual cellular components. This approach allows stable, high-resolution, intracellular recordings whilst the tissue undergoes near 'natural' (mechanical), rather than artificial (electrical) stimulation. Results from these studies are helping us understand the cellular mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal function associated with the peripheral vestibular apparatus. In addition, Dr. Brichta is studying vestibular nucleus neurons in the brainstem that are the major recipients of transmitted vestibular organ output. These regions are thought to be highly modifiable and may prove to be ideal targets for rational therapeutic strategies aimed at treating balance disorders. Dr. Brichta was awarded a prestigious five year Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation Senior/Principal Research Fellowship.
Research Interest
Central Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System
Publications
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Stoddard J, van Eerdewijk R, Welsh J, Camp A, Brichta A. Using indirect inference to identify models of vestibular nerve response in an isolated inner ear. InControl Conference (AuCC), 2016 Australian 2016 Nov 3 (pp. 15-20). IEEE.
