Amphetamine and the amphetamine derivative 3, 4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are two widely abused drugs which bind to and reverse monoamine transporters, causing efflux of monoamines into the synapse. Despite their mechanistic similarities, the use profile and effects of these drugs vary. Amphetamine acts primarily on the dopamine transporter and is behaviorally characterized by compulsive use. The proposed experiments will allow analysis of amphetamine regulation of dopamine efflux through identification of gene expression changes during phases of amphetamine self-administration, abstinence, and reinstatement. Conversely, MDMA preferentially reverses serotonin transport, which results in feelings of well being, but is linked to persistent serotonergic deficits and long-lasting changes in memory and cognition. Changes in behavioral measures of memory after MDMA self-administration will be examined, and the alterations in gene expression that may underlie these changes will be analyzed by microarrays. In summary, the proposed studies will allow investigation of transcriptional responses to monoamine reuptake reversal in behaviorally relevant settings.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
7F32DA015945-02
Application #
6783994
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Babecki, Beth
Project Start
2002-10-01
Project End
2004-09-30
Budget Start
2003-04-01
Budget End
2003-09-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$20,569
Indirect Cost
Name
Emory University
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
042250712
City
Atlanta
State
GA
Country
United States
Zip Code
30322
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Freeman, W M; Brebner, K; Amara, S G et al. (2005) Distinct proteomic profiles of amphetamine self-administration transitional states. Pharmacogenomics J 5:203-14
Freeman, Willard M; Hemby, Scott E (2004) Proteomics for protein expression profiling in neuroscience. Neurochem Res 29:1065-81