Study of the Cholinergic System in Schizophrenia

In collaboration with Dr. Lauri Tuominen at the IMHR, we are investigating the integrity of the cholinergic system in people with schizophrenia. As a team, we are investigating the potential role of the cholinergic system in the cognitive dysfunctions observed in this population by using a novel positron emission tomography (PET) vesicular acetylcholine transporter tracer [18F]FEOBV and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This study has the potential to provide an in-vivo rationale for the development of drugs that influence the activity of the cholinergic system in schizophrenia, in order to treat cognitive deficits.