Background

Pinna Lab research focus is on stress-induced psychiatric disorders (PTSD, depression, post-partum depression, and anxiety). Our translational approach aims at understanding neurobiological underpinnings of emotional dysfunctions in animal models and humans by studying stress effects on neurosteroid biosynthesis and its relation with the endocannabinoid system. We recently linked PPAR-alpha receptor stimulation with allopregnanolone synthesis in corticolimbic circuitry regulating fear, anxiety, depression and aggression. Our studies on allopregnanolone modulation of emotions have contributed to the recent approval of brexanolone (Zulresso™) to treat post-partum depression. We developed gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods to measure neurosteroids in human and animal samples and provide this service to many Universities worldwide.