Neuroscience & Mental Health Domain Special Seminar

Monday 1st June at 1pm.

Cannabinoid therapies and mechanisms in mental health disorders

by Francisco S. Guimaraes, PhD, MD

Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

Interest on Cannabis sativa products as treatments for mental health disorders has been growing exponentially. However, the scientific background supporting their effects in these disorders is still sparse. In this talk we will briefly discuss the current evidence of their beneficial effects, focusing in cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic phytocannabinoid that has been recently approved for the treatment of some forms of epilepsy. We will cover its wide-range of potential therapeutic actions involving several molecular mechanisms, including changes in inflammatory/immunological markers.

Biography

Francisco Guimarães graduated in Medicine in 1981 and obtained his PhD in Pharmacology at the Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil, under the supervision of Prof. Antonio W. Zuardi. He then completed his post-doc (1989-1990) at the Neuroscience and Psychiatric Unit at Manchester University, UK, under the supervision of Professor Bill Deakin.

In 2007 he became a Full Professor at the Department of Pharmacology, Medical School of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.

He is a member of the Brazilian Academy of Science, the Society of Neuroscience

(SfN) and of several international psychopharmacology societies. He is also pa member of the Editorial board of Psychopharmacology, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology and Journal of Cannabis Research.

He has published 289 full papers, 32 book chapters, 2 books (organized) and supervised more than 50 successful postgraduate (26 MSc and 25 PhD degrees) students. His H-index is 55 (Web of Sci.).

Research Interest. His current research is aimed at understanding the role of atypical neurotransmitters (nitric oxide and endocannabinoids) in anxiety and mood control and the effects of cannabidiol, a non-psychotomimetic component on Cannabis sativa, in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Organised by Bill Deakin, Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, Stopford Building T: +44 (0) 161 275 7427| bill.deakin@manchester.ac.uk

Registrations are closed

NMHD Special Seminar hosted by Professor Francisco S. Guimaraes