معرفی
Dr. Quentin Pittman is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. He also holds positions as a Child Health & Wellness Researcher at the Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Full Member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Deputy Chair in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, and Full Member of the Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research and Education.
Dr. Pittman's educational background includes:
- B.A. in Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, 1972
- Doctor of Philosophy in Physiology, University of Calgary, 1976
Dr. Pittman's research focuses on neuroimmune-endocrine interactions, particularly how inflammation affects brain function and behavior. His work spans four major areas: the effects of inflammation on the brain leading to behavioral co-morbidities; cellular actions of peptides, mediators and neurotransmitters; early life programming of the brain by inflammation; and febrile seizures. His laboratory employs approaches ranging from whole animal models studying physiology and behavior to cellular studies examining morphological, molecular, electrophysiological and synaptic properties. He collaborates extensively with researchers including Keith Sharkey, Mark Swain, Simon Hirota and Matt Hill to explore how chronic peripheral inflammation in animal models of colitis, arthritis and liver disease cause changes in the brain that may underlie psychiatric co-morbidity.
Analysis of Dr. Pittman's recent publications (2019-2022) reveals a strong focus on the gut-brain axis, neuroinflammation, and microglial function. His work increasingly examines how the microbiome influences brain function and behavior, particularly in inflammatory conditions. There's also a significant emphasis on the endocannabinoid system's role in modulating neural circuits affected by inflammation and stress. His research bridges basic neuroscience with clinical relevance, particularly for understanding psychiatric comorbidities in inflammatory diseases and neurological conditions like epilepsy.
Dr. Pittman has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his career:
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2010)
- Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (2016)
- Fellow of the American Physiological Society (2019)
- Distinguished Member of the International Regulatory Peptide Society (2021)
- Multiple teaching awards including Golden Apple Award (2008) and Honor Roll for Great Teaching (2014)
- University Professor designation at the University of Calgary (2006)
Dr. Pittman has maintained continuous research program support from the MRC/CIHR and other agencies for nearly 40 years. His collaborative approach is evident in his extensive network of research partnerships across multiple institutes including the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute. He has held numerous leadership positions within these organizations and has served on committees for national and international scientific societies. His laboratory has produced significant findings on how early life inflammation programs long-term brain function and vulnerability to neurological conditions.
Dr. Pittman's laboratory work spans multiple facilities including the Health Sciences Centre at the University of Calgary. His research team employs diverse methodologies from whole animal behavioral studies to sophisticated cellular and molecular techniques including patch clamp electrophysiology. His work on neuroimmune interactions has positioned his laboratory at the forefront of understanding how peripheral inflammation communicates with the central nervous system to influence behavior and neural function.
