Dr William Ford - PhD
Member of the School's Pharmacology & Physiology Research Discipline
Cannabinoids as medicine
Cannabinoids in the cardiovascular system
The body is capable of making and releasing compounds (endocannabinoids) similar to those found in extracts of Cannabis sativa. We are interested in identifying the receptors that link these endocannabinoids to cardiovascular response. Our work has identified cardiovascular responses that appear to be mediated by one or more novel sites of action. As we and others have shown that endocannabinoids mediate important cardiovascular responses ,such as protection from ischaemia-reperfusion injury, these novel sites of action represent potential therapeutic targets.
Cannabinoids in the gastro-intestinal tract
Observations of cannabis users suggest that endocannabinoids might have a beneficial role to play in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We are currently investigating the potential exploitation of the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of IBD in collaboration with an industrial partner.
Dysregulated pulmonary inflammation underlies human lung disease such as asthma and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). We have models of ovalbumin-induced guinea-pig and murine pulmonary inflammation. In both of these models early and late phase bronchoconstriction to inhaled allergen can be observed. In the guinea-pig, we have also generated a model of pulmonary inflammation to PIV-3 and influenza viral infection as well as virally-induced exacerbation of allergic (ovalbumin-induced) asthma. In addition to further characterization of these models, we are interested in the effects of endocannabinoids, bradykinin and trace amines on pulmonary function and inflammation. See also:
β-adrenoceptor stimulation and myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.
Adrenaline has been given for many years to try to resuscitate asystolic patients. The pharmacological justification for such an intervention is weak. However, we have been investigating the potential that activation of one or more β-adrenoceptors can protect the heart from ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Potentially, this research might lead to a treatment for myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury.