Dr Frankie MacMillan

Research summary

We combine functional anatomical approaches and immunocytochemical techniques to investigate differences in sensory input mediated by Aδ or C fibres.  We are interested in how these inputs may be differentially modulated at the level of the spinal cord by descending control mechanisms from higher brain centres.  Such control mechanisms may underlie the patterns of change in nociceptive responsiveness and autonomic outflow that are associated with different behavioural states and that accompany certain pathophysiological conditions.

My main area of expertise and therefore input to these projects is in immunocytochemical techniques and tract tracing techniques. Immunocytochemistry allows us to identify chemically distinct ...

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Recent publications

• Langton, P, MacMillan, F, Helyer, R, Lloyd, E, Headley, P & Harris, J 2009, ‘Successful implementation of mandatory on-line pre-laboratory quizzes across several first year Units in Physiology: Why, what, when and how much?’. in: Unknown., pp. SA32
• Parry, D, MacMillan, F, Koutsikou, S, McMullan, S & Lumb, B 2008, ‘Separation of A- versus C-nociceptive inputs into spinal-brainstem circuits’. Neuroscience, vol 152(4)., pp. 1076 - 1085

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View complete publications list in the University of Bristol publications system