Determining how specific neurochemical fluctuations underlie neurological disorders is a key step in developing appropriate therapies; however, in most cases the neurochemistry is not well understood. The major goal of our research is to develop new electroanalytical instrumentation and methods to reveal fundamental chemical mechanisms of brain function.
We are currently monitoring reactive oxygen species, glucose, lactate, catecholamines, and opioid neuropeptides in systems ranging from single cells to behaving animals. Our studies aim to inform the development of improved therapeutic strategies for various neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease and addiction.
