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The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich-Schwerzenbach (ETHZ), is represented by the
Department of Biology, Laboratory for Behavioural Neurobiology
The mission at the Laboratory for Behavioural Neurobiology is to increase understanding of the regulation and disruption of behavioural
processes at the neurobiological level by taking a holistic approach to the study of the inter-relationships between brain, physiology and behaviour, and the disruption of these inter-relationships that
underlie mental disorders. This approach is based on the excellent infrastructure for conducting multi-disciplinary and integrated animal research in behaviour, neuroanatomy, in vivo and ex vivo neurochemistry, neuroendocrinology and physiology.
During the past four years, members of the laboratory have developed a marmoset research facility and programme focussing on the scientific
study of long-term effects of early-life stress on neurobehavioural development. The research staff has internationally acknowledged experience in the integrated implementation of non-invasive
physiological sampling, pre-invasive radio-telemetry, and the training and long-term testing of behaviour in the home cage, in marmosets from the juvenile stage into adulthood. All of these techniques
are essential for the success of the present project. The sharing of this experience with the other members of the network will make a significant contribution to the quality and success of the project
at both the scientific level and in terms of animal welfare.
Contribution to the project:
- breeding marmosets in utero over-exposed to dexamethasone
- investigation whether this treatment leads to:
(1) development of abnormal social or conditioned emotional behaviour in juveniles and young adults
(2) development of abnormal cognitive behaviour in juveniles and young adults
(3) altered functioning of the cardiovascular system,
- assessment of cognitive function using tests based on computer touch-screen technology,
- validation of the same tests in marmoset monkeys,
- development of a primate model of ADHD.
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