My research is evaluating mechanisms of the effects of cannabinoid-induced nitric oxide production leading to cytoskeletal reorganization in neuronal cells. The long-term objectives of these studies are to evaluate the role of endocannabinoids and NO production in dendritic reorganization and atrophy leading to volume loss within the hippocampus due to posttraumatic stress disorder. NO production is analyzed using fluorescence microscopy and electrochemical sensing. Other techniques using in these studies are cell culture, immunofluorescence, Western blot, real time PCR and ELISA assays.

Jones, J; Carney, S; Vrana, K; Norford, D; Howlett, A. (2007). Cannabinoid receptors mediate translocation of NO-sensitive guanylyl cyclase in neuronal cells. Neuropharmacology (in press)

Howlett, AC; Mukhopadhyay, S; Norford, D. (2006). Endocannabinoids and reactive nitrogen and oxide species in neuropathologies. J. Neuroimmun. Pharm. 1:305-316

Mukhopadhyay, S; Shim, JY; Assi, AA; Norford, D; Howlett, AC. (2002). CB1 cannabinoid receptor-G protein association: A possible mechanism for differential signaling. Chem Phys. Lipids. 121:91-109

Tilghman-Lee, C; Norford, D. (2001). Protocol Review: Why must I rewrite published protocols? A road to better understanding. Lab Animal. 30:18-19