The neurophysiology of tinnitus and potential pharmacotherapy. Nottingham, PhD in Neuroscience.

Tinnitus affects 10-15% of the UK population and is often associated with depression and anxiety. Current treatments help people to cope with the condition, but do not address the underlying problem. We have recently developed an animal model of tinnitus and to examine the effects of tinnitus on neurons and neurotransmitter systems in the brain. This project will use the animal model to investigate the therapeutic potential of drugs for controlling tinnitus.

Tinnitus is usually triggered by damage to the inner ear. Until recently, researchers have struggled to identify the neuro-chemical and morphological changes associated with tinnitus, primarily due to a lack of animal models. A robust behavioural model has now been developed that supplies an objective measure of tinnitus perception in animals.

The current project will use this behavioural model to confirm the presence of tinnitus and then examine neuro-chemical changes in particular neural populations. The project will also attempt to identify potential therapeutic targets for tinnitus. For example, we will examine levels of the neuromodulator nitric oxide, which can be increased in both neurons and glia following hearing loss. In addition, we will also study the role of the endogenous cannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids are natural compounds that act at specific receptors in the mammalian brain. Previous research has shown cannabinoids to be effective in reducing symptoms in animal models of epilepsy and neuropathic pain, conditions that share a number of similarities with tinnitus.
Applications are welcome from life sciences graduates with a first- or upper second-class degree in physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, or another relevant discipline. You will receive full training and should be prepared to work with animals.