Neuroscience Research
Department
Head: Dr. James L. Kennedy,
Director
Understanding how alcohol, other drugs and psychiatric problems affect
the human body and brain is crucial to the development of more effective
approaches to treatment and prevention. The Neuroscience Research Department
focuses on neurobiological mechanisms underlying mental illness, addiction
and their respective treatments. The department benefits from state-of-the-art,
in-house research facilities. These facilities include the Positron Emission
Tomography (PET) Centre, which allows researchers to scan the brains of
live human subjects, and the Transgenic Research Centre, which can alter
the genetic makeup of laboratory mice to mimic human diseases such as
schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or addiction.
Neuroscience research is carried out in various research sections (described
in the following pages), each with its own health theme and neurobiological
emphasis. For example, variations in the action of dopamine -- a "neurotransmitter,"
or chemical that allows signals to pass between cells in the brain --
have been linked to a range of problems, from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder
and Parkinson's disease to dependence on alcohol, cocaine, nicotine and
amphetamines. Disturbances in signal transmission and in molecular and
genetic mechanisms within cells are also of great interest, and are now
believed to be critical determinants of mental illness and addiction.
Furthermore, understanding of genes for neurotransmission, and other systems
involved in drug response, may help predict the type and amount of medication
to be used in each individual patient. The study of how genes relate to
drug response, called pharmacogenetics, may also help to predict side-effects
and those people who are at higher risk for addictions.
By exploring these research strategies, researchers within the Neuroscience
Research Department broaden our understanding of mental illness and addiction
and lay the basis for potential new treatments of the future.
Since the restructuring of the Neuroscience Research Department in 2000,
our focus has been on consolidating and building on the strengths of our
neuroscience research group and establishing future priorities. The following
pages outline how the work of our neuroscientists is recognized throughout
the world, and how we are making enormous strides toward unravelling the
complexities of neurobiology. In the months and years to come, neuroscience
will continue to represent an increasingly important area of emphasis
within the Centre's education, clinical and research activities.
Biobehavioural Pharmacology
Biopsychology
Clinical Neuroscience
Human Neurochemical Pathology
Laboratory
Laboratory of Cellular and
Molecular Pathophysiology
Molecular Neuroscience
Molecular Pharmacology
Neuroimaging
Pharmacogenetics
Psychiatric Neurogenetics
Smoking and Nicotine Dependence
Transgenic Facility
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1-800-463-6273
