Dr. McIntosh is interested in the neurobiology of CNS disorders. His work is focused on the study of receptor and ion channel pharmacology. At present the research is divided into two main areas: 1) Isolation and characterization of novel conopeptide ligands which can discriminate between closely related receptors and ion channels. These complexes are felt to play a key role in illnesses such as Parkinson's Disease, mood disorders, chronic pain and neuroinflammation; 2) The role of receptors and ion channels in neurotransmitter release. Using electrophysiological and neurochemical techniques, we are examining the modulation of neurotransmitter release by particular receptor subtypes. Development of novel therapeutic agents is one ultimate end point.