Caron Dean-Bernhoft, PhD

1. Central autonomic regulation
2. Central regulation of pain
3. Physiology of stress

My research emphasis is based in systems physiology with a focus on autonomic regulation primarily in stress conditions. Our current research uses acute and chronic animal studies and human studies to address the role of endocannabinoid signaling in the integration of sympatho-sensory responses and the transition from acute to chronic pain. Preclinical studies suggest that dysregulation of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the midbrain periaqueductal gray may play a role in the development of chronic pain. We use electrophysiological, biochemical and molecular approaches to address this issue and are determining the feasibility of translation of relevant preclinical data to humans.