Neuropharmacology The physiological basis of neuronal toxicity caused by various insults including excitatory amino acids, oxidative stress and cerebral ischemia is being studied using quantitative imaging techniques, confocal microscopy, genetic approaches in model organisms, and molecular approaches in cultured cell lines, cultured primary neurons and in intact animals. These studies aim to develop an understanding of the mechanisms of neuronal injury in acute and chronic disorders. The regulation of the expression of voltage-gated ion channels in cell lines and primary cultures is being studied by molecular and patchclamping techniques. In addition, molecular genetic, electrophysiological and cell biological approaches are being used to explore the relationships between neurotransmitter transporter structure, substrate transport, inhibitor binding and ion permeation. New quantitative imaging approaches are being used to study the basic processes of neuropeptide secretion. Investigators in the Molecular Pharmacology program are also examining the mechanisms of autonomic regulation and synaptic transmission of the urogenital system. These studies include neuroanatomical and neurophysiological research aimed towards the development of agents to modulate neuronal control of the urinary bladder, colon, and sex organs. Targeted disruption of GABA receptors is being used as a tool to investigate the function of these receptors and their specific components in transgenic mice. The mechanism of action of anesthetics is being studied in genetic model organisms and using techniques of magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Faculty Beckel, Jonathan Associate ProfessorMolecular, cellular and physiological approaches to understand epithelial-afferent nerve interactions and how changes in this communication play a role in bladder pathology jmbeckel@pitt.edu 412-383-5004 de Groat, William Distinguished Professor Study of the autonomic mechanisms involved in the control of urogenital function. Study of visceral pain mechanisms. wcd2@pitt.edu 412-648-9357 DeFranco, Donald Professor & Vice Chair for Medical Education, Associate Dean for Medical Student ResearchGlucocorticoids and Neurodevelopment. Prostate cancer. dod1@pitt.edu 412-624-4259 Fazzari, Marco Research Assistant Professor maf167@pitt.edu 412-626-2924 Jackson, Edwin Distinguished Professor The physiology and pharmacology of endogenous modulators of growth, structure and function of cells in the heart, blood vessels and kidneys, with particular focus on adenosine, the renin-angiotensin system and estradiol metabolites. edj@pitt.edu 412-648-1505 Jacob, Tija Associate Professor & Vice Chair for Graduate Education GABA A receptor neuropharmacology and synapses, inhibition, neurodevelopment, mental health disorders. tcj11@pitt.edu 412-648-8136 Levitan, Edwin Professor & Vice Chair for Research OperationsNeurotransmission, channels and signaling. elevitan@pitt.edu 412-648-9486 Palladino, Michael Professor & Vice Chair for Faculty AffairsCombined molecular and genetic approaches to identify key proteins required for neural maintenance with age and understand the role of these gene products in metabolic disease conditions mjp44@pitt.edu 412-383-5900