The overall goal of this research proposal is to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying the aversiveness of opioid withdrawal. In this project, behavioral experiments will be conducted to study the aversiveness of opioid antagonists micro injected into the nucleus accumbens of morphine dependent rats. Specifically, mu a and kappa selective opioid antagonists will be tested for conditioned place aversion, and the potential interaction between dopamine and this aversion will be tested. Concomitantly, in vitro brain slice techniques will be used to study the effects of opioid on the cellular properties of neurons from the shell of the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, potential changes in these properties will be studied by preparing slices from morphine dependent rats. The results of these experiments should lead to an increased understanding of the specific neural circuitry involved in opioid withdrawal, which may be helpful in developing treatments for overcoming opioid addiction in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32DA005906-01
Application #
2770072
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZDA1-MXS-M (09))
Project Start
1999-04-01
Project End
Budget Start
1999-04-01
Budget End
2000-03-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California San Francisco
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
073133571
City
San Francisco
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94143