Pharmacology
Head of Group - Professor S. G. Ward
Research in pharmacology is investigating cell signalling pathways, with an emphasis on linking these pathways to physiological responses. Three separate strands run through this central theme, reflecting the interdisciplinary activity of members of the pharmacology group.
Research Areas
Vascular Pharmacology
- Dr S.V. Smirnov
- Dr A. MacKenzie
- Dr G. Cottrell
- Dr A.J. McNeish
Research in vascular pharmacology applies a range of techniques to the study of cellular mechanisms in the peripheral vasculature, in the blood platelets and platelet generating megakaryocytes. These include confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, elecliophysiological measurement with inliacellular and patch-clamp elecliodes, wire and pressure myography, molecular techniques including western blot, RT-PCR, real time PCR, and immunocytochemical and eleclion microscopic studies in arterial tissue.
Interests include interaction between endothelial and smooth muscle cells in resistance arteries, particularly involving endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDHF); biophysical studies on potassium and liP channels and the effects of hypoxia and ischaemia/reperfusion on ion channel and whole organ function. Studies with megakaryocytes and platelets focus specifically on the molecular identity and physiological role of calcium-permeable ion channels, particularly liP channels and P2X receptors.
Molecular and Immunopharmacology
Research in Immunopharmacology is focussed on the cellular mechanisms that lead to the establishment and maintenance of chronic inflammatory states in the gut (inflammatory bowel diseases), lung (asthma, cystic fibrosis) and skeletal system (rheumatoid arthritis). Specific interests include the mechanisms that regulate the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines by antigen presenting cells, the integration of signalling events downstream of cytokine receptors in activated effector cells (T and B lymphocytes, eosinophils and mast cells), the influence of the soluble mediators that they (these cells) produce on the replication, survival and function of resident (non-immune) cells in the gut, lung and skeleton, and the potential for regeneration following injury that exists in these tissues. In pursuing its research objectives the Immunopharmacology Group makes extensive use of mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, recombinant DNA technology, immunochemistry and protein biochemistry.
Neuropharmacology
Research in neuropharmacology is focussed on function of neuronal circuits, and their dysfunction in epilepsy, anxiety, depression and drug dependence. Ongoing research projects utilise a variety of approaches, including extensive use of electrophysiological recording (extra and intracellular, whole-cell patch-clamp) in in vitro brain slice preparations. Molecular approaches, cellular imaging, and a range of behavioural techniques complement the electrophysiology. Specific interests include the control of transmitter release at temporal cortical synapses by presynaptic receptors in normal and epileptic brain, changes in mechanisms of synaptic plasticity associated with drugs of abuse like morphine and heroin, investigation of retinoid signalling in animal models of anxiety and depression, and study of the effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs on rodent behaviours.
