Dr. Quentin J. Pittman

Our research activities focus on central autonomic control of fever, antipyresis and blood pressure and on the synaptic pharmacology of important endocrine and autonomic nuclei such as the supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus and the dorsal vagal complex.  In addition, we study plasticity of neuronal function during pregnancy and lactation, and study the influence of neonatal immune challenges in the brain (particularly with respect to febrile convulsions) as well as on the adult brain and innate immune system.  We are interested in a number of transmitters including: cannabinoids, catecholamines, neuropeptides and amino acids.