Principal Investigator: Juan Saavedra, MD

Research Interests

Dr. Saavedra’s laboratory is focused on the analysis of basic molecular mechanisms controlling the reaction to stress, and of those involved in brain inflammation. The goal of these studies is to develop novel therapies for the treatment of major diseases of the brain. The main interest is the treatment of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Brain inflammation and failure to control and adapt to stress are recognized as important factors in the development and progression of these diseases. The Section on Pharmacology studies novel centrally–acting compounds that decrease anxiety and prevent stress-induced disorders, brain inflammation and brain ischemia, such as antagonists of Angiotensin II AT1 receptors. The investigators attempt to elucidate their mechanisms of action and determine their therapeutic spectrum. In complementary studies on human circulating cells, they search for biological markers of inflammation and their relationship to brain disorders. The approach is multidisciplinary, and includes neuroanatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and molecular biology components.