Research in the Galligan lab is focused on autonomic neurotransmission in general and more specifically in the nerve supply of the gastrointestinal tract. We study synaptic mechanisms in the enteric nervous system (ENS) and how these mechanisms control gastrointestinal motility. We have extensive experience with electrophysiological, optogenetic, immunohistochemical and confocal microscopy imaging techniques to study ENS function. We are well-equipped to conduct ex vivo and in vivo measurements of gastrointestinal motility and enteric neurophysiology in genetically-modified animal models of gastrointestinal disorders.

We study enteric nervous system physiology and pharmacology, especially synaptic and neuromuscular transmission using microelectrode recording.