The proposed research will investigate the anatomical and cellular substrates mediating behavioral sensitization to the daily administration of two drugs of abuse, cocaine and morphine. The search for the site of action and neuronal correlates of the enduring behavioral changes that occur in the brain as a result of chronic cocaine or morphine administration constitutes my major career goal. The ultimate progression of which is to develop biological interventions to assist in alleviating the behavioral problems associated with long term drug abuse in humans. Within this context, the immediate goal is to evaluate the role of the A10 dopamine neurons in behavioral sensitization, using in vivo neurochemical measures of dopamine and GABA release. Also, the density of dopamine, GABA and opioid receptors, and the levels of mRNA for some proteins relevant to dopamine and GABA neurotransmission will be measured with light microscopic autoradiography in behaviorally sensitized rats. In addition, a role for GTP binding proteins and K+ conductance will be determined.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
1K02DA000153-01
Application #
3069542
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (SRCD (19))
Project Start
1990-07-01
Project End
1995-06-30
Budget Start
1990-07-01
Budget End
1991-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
1990
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Washington State University
Department
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
041485301
City
Pullman
State
WA
Country
United States
Zip Code
99164