Endocannabinoid regulation of stress and anxiety

CB1R expression in the rat amygdala
Overview. This stream of research focuses on understanding the neural circuits and cell types through which endocannabinoid function is dynamically regulated by stress to modulate neural activity, behavioural processes and neuroendocrine function. The lab also engages in several collaborative translational projects to investigate the role of the endocannabinoid system in regulating similar processes in humans.
​​Representative publications:
(1) Neurobiological interactions between stress and the endocannabinoid system
(2) Corticotropin-releasing hormone drives anandamide hydrolysis in the amygdala to promote anxiety
(3) Comorbid anxiety-like behavior in a rat model of colitis is mediated by an upregulation of corticolimbic fatty acid amide hydrolase
(4) Up-regulation of Anandamide Hydrolysis in the Basolateral Complex of the Amygdala Reduces Fear Memory Expression and Indices of Stress and Anxiety​
Research funded by Brain Canada, BONF, CFI, CIHR, NIH and NSERC. Many thanks to the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Mathison Centre, and Alberta Children's Hospital for their support.