The study of neurotoxic substances that have a harmfuleffect on the functioning of the nervous system is one of the main areas of my research. In recent years, I have studied mainly mycotoxins produced by microscopic fungi, but I have also dealt with pesticides earlier. The effects on neural networks are studied in surviving brain slices, mainly by electrophysiological methods.

The brain changes underlying autism spectrum disorder is still relatively unknown, but the disruption of the excitation-inhibition balance may play a key role, with hyperactivity of certain brain areas. In this context, autism also predisposes to the development of epilepsy. In a rat autism model induced by valproate treatment, we investigate the function and excitability of various neuronal networks in surviving brain slices. In particular, we would like to explore whether the function of excitatory neurons, receptors, or inhibitory interneurons are altered in a manner that promotes an abnormal synchronization of brain activity and thus the development of epilepsy.