This Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01) proposes to investigate the neurophysiological consequences of methamphetamine self-administration while providing the candidate (Dr. Michael Beckstead) with training in behavioral neuroscience. Dr. Beckstead's immediate goals include learning behavioral techniques including stereotaxic surgeries, brain site-specific injections, methamphetamine self administration procedures, and experimental design and interpretation of models of psychostimulant administration. In addition to the scientific aims of the studies presented, the ultimate goal of the proposal is to train the investigator with behavioral techniques that, along with established expertise in electrophysiology, will form the basis for a career as an independent investigator. The career development plan involves mentorship in behavioral techniques from an established behavioral neuroscientist (Dr. Gregory Mark) while utilizing the resources and expertise of one of the top behavioral departments in the country. The experimental procedures will investigate the hypothesized relationship between methamphetamine self-administration, intracellular calcium levels, and dendrodendritic dopamine transmission in the ventral tegmental area of mice. Methamphetamine induces synaptic plasticity and D2 dopamine autoreceptor subsensitivity, but the mechanisms involved are poorly understood. Furthermore, no study has investigated the role of synaptic plasticity on methamphetamine self-administration. Using recently discovered tools including a synaptic potential mediated by dopamine and a novel form of plasticity at dopamine synapses, the experiments will determine if dopamine plasticity plays a role in methamphetamine self-administration. Relevance: Determining the neurophysiological consequences of methamphetamine self-administration is the first step in identifying intervention strategies to prevent and treat human drug abuse. A better understanding of the neural adaptations associated with drug use and administration may help to explain why some methamphetamine users become addicted to the drug, and may lead to treatments to help patients break the difficult cycle of addiction.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
5K01DA021699-06
Application #
8070055
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Frankenheim, Jerry
Project Start
2007-05-01
Project End
2012-04-30
Budget Start
2011-05-01
Budget End
2012-04-30
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$147,744
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800772162
City
San Antonio
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
78229
Sharpe, Amanda L; Varela, Erika; Beckstead, Michael J (2017) Systemic PD149163, a neurotensin receptor 1 agonist, decreases methamphetamine self-administration in DBA/2J mice without causing excessive sedation. PLoS One 12:e0180710
Sharpe, Amanda L; Varela, Erika; Bettinger, Lynne et al. (2014) Methamphetamine self-administration in mice decreases GIRK channel-mediated currents in midbrain dopamine neurons. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 18:
Branch, Sarah Y; Goertz, R Brandon; Sharpe, Amanda L et al. (2013) Food restriction increases glutamate receptor-mediated burst firing of dopamine neurons. J Neurosci 33:13861-72
Branch, Sarah Y; Beckstead, Michael J (2012) Methamphetamine produces bidirectional, concentration-dependent effects on dopamine neuron excitability and dopamine-mediated synaptic currents. J Neurophysiol 108:802-9
Sharpe, Amanda L; Klaus, Joshua D; Beckstead, Michael J (2012) Meal schedule influences food restriction-induced locomotor sensitization to methamphetamine. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 219:795-803
Beckstead, Michael J; Gantz, Stephanie C; Ford, Christopher P et al. (2009) CRF enhancement of GIRK channel-mediated transmission in dopamine neurons. Neuropsychopharmacology 34:1926-35
Beckstead, Michael J; Phillips, Tamara J (2009) Mice selectively bred for high- or low-alcohol-induced locomotion exhibit differences in dopamine neuron function. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 329:342-9
Beckstead, Michael J; Ford, Christopher P; Phillips, Paul E M et al. (2007) Presynaptic regulation of dendrodendritic dopamine transmission. Eur J Neurosci 26:1479-88