Andrew Gifford

Scientist, Brookhaven National Laboratory

Ph.D. St. Andrews University, Scotland

Phone: (631) 344-7069
Gifforda@bnl.gov

Medical Department
Brookhaven National Laboratory

Research

The work in our laboratory involves in vitro experiments on brain slices and behavioral and imaging studies in rodents. We have two main areas of research: 1) PET studies. We have been determining if competition between the binding of PET radiotracers and endogenous neurotransmitters (especially dopamine and serotonin) can be used to provide information on the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain. These experiments involve analysis of the binding of PET radiotracers in rodents and in brain slices 2) Brain cannabinoid receptors. We have been studying the neurochemical roles in the brain of cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are abundant in the brain and are the target site for the active ingredient of marijuana, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. The neurotransmitter for these receptors is thought to be the brain lipid, anandamide. We have been examining the role of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor in regulating the release of acetylcholine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. We have also been testing newly developed synthetic cannabinoid compounds in in vitro assays for cannabinoid receptors. These new cannabinioid compounds may have potential clinical value for treating chronic pain, especially that which is not responsive to opioid drugs.