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Do the body’s own marijuana-like compounds play a role in schizophrenia? $150,000 grant will help researchers find out.
June 1, 2016
Dr.
Hsiao-Huei Chen
was awarded $150,000 from the Ontario Mental Health Foundation to test whether blocking an enzyme called PTP1B can alleviate schizophrenia-like behaviors in mouse models of the condition. Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder, with symptoms that can include auditory hallucinations, false beliefs and often anxiety and depression. Dr. Chen
previously found
that PTP1B blocks production of one of the body’s own calming, marijuana-like substances called endocannabinoids. These compounds control how neurotransmitters are released in the brain, and problems with their production could lead to abnormal brain activity like schizophrenia. In addition, patients with schizophrenia have been found to have abnormal levels of endocannabinoids in their blood and spinal fluid. Dr. Chen’s new research will use a drug called Trodusquemine, which has already undergone clinical testing for the treatment of obesity, to shut down PTP1B in mouse models of schizophrenia.
The Ottawa Hospital: Inspired by research. Driven by compassion
The Ottawa Hospital is one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals with over 1,100 beds, approximately 12,000 staff and an annual budget of over $1.2 billion. Our focus on research and learning helps us develop new and innovative ways to treat patients and improve care. As a multi-campus hospital, affiliated with the University of Ottawa, we deliver specialized care to the Eastern Ontario region, but our techniques and research discoveries are adopted around the world. We engage the community at all levels to support our vision for better patient care.
University of Ottawa
The University of Ottawa is home to over 50,000 students, faculty and staff, who live, work and study in both French and English. Our campus is a crossroads of cultures and ideas, where bold minds come together to inspire game-changing ideas. We are one of Canada’s top 10 research universities—our professors and researchers explore new approaches to today’s challenges. One of a handful of Canadian universities ranked among the top 200 in the world, we attract exceptional thinkers and welcome diverse perspectives from across the globe. www.uottawa.ca
For further information, please contact
Amelia Buchanan
Senior Communication Specialist
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Office: 613-798-5555 x 73687
Cell: 613-297-8315
ambuchanan@ohri.ca