The research proposed in this application is crucial in elucidating the neural effects of heroin self- administration within the medial prefrontal cortex, which is a region believed to be instrumental in controlling behavior induced by rewarding stimuli. Specific emphasis will be placed on mitogen-activated protein kinase (MARK) pathways. Because these proteins are important intracellular switches, findings from these studies will be crucial in directing future research examining targets downstream from MARK pathways. The microarray screening included in this proposal provides an initial investigation aimed at identifying promising targets for clinical use in treating opiate addiction. Through identification of changes in intracellular components that accompany opiate addiction, pharmacological treatments targeted towards eliminating these intracellular changes while precipitating minimal withdrawal can be developed.
| Carkaci-Salli, Nurgul; Salli, Ugur; Kuntz-Melcavage, Kara L et al. (2011) TPH2 in the ventral tegmental area of the male rat brain. Brain Res Bull 84:376-80 |
| Kuntz-Melcavage, Kara L; Brucklacher, Robert M; Grigson, Patricia S et al. (2009) Gene expression changes following extinction testing in a heroin behavioral incubation model. BMC Neurosci 10:95 |
| Kuntz, Kara L; Patel, Kruti M; Grigson, Patricia S et al. (2008) Heroin self-administration: II. CNS gene expression following withdrawal and cue-induced drug-seeking behavior. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 90:349-56 |
| Kuntz, Kara L; Twining, Robert C; Baldwin, Anne E et al. (2008) Heroin self-administration: I. Incubation of goal-directed behavior in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 90:344-8 |
