We have recently been able to partly overcome this problem through the use of focussed microwave irradiation. We hope to extend these studies to include more transmitter systems and improvements in the microwave technique. Additionally, we are examining the post mortem metabolism associated with alcohol in an attempt to quantify levels at the time of death in, particularly, airplane accidents. This group is also concerned with the synthesis and testing of highly selective neurotoxic species. An advanced mammalian brain, for example, may contain some trillion nerve cells.
Simple lesions produce massive destruction of non-target tissues.
Neurochemical destroying agents, on the other hand, have shown a rather high degree of selectivity. But, higher doses of this agent produce simultaneous destruction of non-target neurons. We are attempting structural modifications to this and related neurotoxic compounds to attain greater selectivity with more complete destruction of the targeted neurons. We are also actively investigating the precise mode of action of this and related agents. In summary, this program employs analytical chemistry, with a strong emphasis on chromatography and electrochemistry, to unravel problems of a neurochemical nature.