In Bordeaux, I followed a course Pathophysiology of Neurological and Psychiatric Diseases where I obtained the second highest average grade (17/20). I also did an extra four-months internship where I studied the response of BLA neurons to RXFP3 activation in an inflammatory model (complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA)) of persistent pain in mice. We have demonstrated that RXFP3 activation-mediated analgesic effect in chronic inflammatory pain could involve inhibition of paravalbumin neurons and activation of somatostatin neurons in the BLA. Our results suggest the involvement of both Na+ and K+ channels in the inhibition of BLA neurons. Beside the BLA, the CA seems to also be involved in the modulation of pain transmission after RXFP3 activation. The effect of RXFP3 activation on CA neurons in chronic inflammatory pain should be investigated further.

In addition to acquiring professional experience (Patch Clamp technique, working with mice), Prof. Marc Landry became my mentor and I am in contact with him until today. I had incredible colleagues in the laboratory who tough me a lot about life as a researcher and I played professional handball in N1 (national 1) league. This allowed me to support myself financially during my internship and find great friends. I will always be happy to return to Bordeaux! I am grateful to the GUF representatives for them allowing me to gain this experience.