This application for a KO2 Independent Scientist Award is submitted to enable me to devote additional time to my research projects and other research-related activities and to further my research career in the field of neuroimmunology of drug abuse. The primary goal of my research is to define the influence of drugs of abuse, such as morphine, on immune responses and their progression. We have previously reported that chronic exposure to morphine suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in vivo by desensitizing interleukin- 113(IL- 113)-induced neuronal activation of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, an area of the brain involved in the activation of the HPA axis, thus, inhibiting IL-I f3-induced transcription of corticotropin releasing factor mRNA by the hypothalamus and decreasing the production of anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosterone, by the adrenal gland. Conversely, we have found that morphine potentiates IL- 1[3-induced immune responses, such as leukocyte-endothelial adhesion (LEA), in mesenteric venules. Thus, it appears that chronic morphine exposure can promote a potentially damaging inflammatory reaction by disrupting the balance between IL-1 [3-mediated local inflammatory responses, such as LEA, and the anti-inflammatory effects of the HPA axis. Recently, my RO1 grant (DA 07058-12) entitled, """"""""Morphine actions on the immune system"""""""", was renewed for an additional five years (3/15/02-1/31/07), and I was also awarded an equipment grant by the New Jersey Commission on Higher Education to purchase a sequence detection system, a fluorescent imager, and a fluorescent plate reader. The studies in my RO1 project are designed to extend our previous findings to define the mechanisms by which morphine influences the progression of bacterial infection.
The Specific Aims are to define the molecular and cellular processes by which bacterial endotoxins modulate mu opioid receptor (MOR)- dependent pathways and how such modulation is related to the progression of endotoxin shock. This KO2 award will enable me to devote maximum time to: 1) working on the aims of my research projects, 2) gaining experience in the use of state-of-the-art methodologies, including real time PCR, fluorescence-based biological assays, and microarray technology, 3) mentoring research students and junior researchers, and 4) establishing an ongoing formal training program in the responsible conduct of research for my lab staff and students.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research (K02)
Project #
5K02DA016149-10
Application #
8217180
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Purohit, Vishnudutt
Project Start
2003-02-05
Project End
2014-01-31
Budget Start
2012-02-01
Budget End
2014-01-31
Support Year
10
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$120,196
Indirect Cost
$8,903
Name
Seton Hall University
Department
Biology
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
079324315
City
South Orange
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07079
Chang, Sulie L; Huang, Wenfei; Mao, Xin et al. (2017) NLRP12 Inflammasome Expression in the Rat Brain in Response to LPS during Morphine Tolerance. Brain Sci 7:
Liu, Xiangqian; Connaghan, Kaitlyn P; Wei, Yufeng et al. (2016) Involvement of the Hippocampus in Binge Ethanol-Induced Spleen Atrophy in Adolescent Rats. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 40:1489-500
Song, Guohua; Nesil, Tanseli; Cao, Junran et al. (2016) Nicotine mediates expression of genes related to antioxidant capacity and oxidative stress response in HIV-1 transgenic rat brain. J Neurovirol 22:114-24
Cao, Junran; Nesil, Tanseli; Wang, Shaolin et al. (2016) Expression profile of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the brain of HIV-1 transgenic rats given chronic nicotine treatment. J Neurovirol 22:626-633
Yang, Zhongli; Nesil, Tanseli; Connaghan, Kaitlyn P et al. (2016) Modulation Effect of HIV-1 Viral Proteins and Nicotine on Expression of the Immune-Related Genes in Brain of the HIV-1 Transgenic Rats. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 11:562-71
Vigorito, Michael; Connaghan, Kaitlyn P; Chang, Sulie L (2015) The HIV-1 transgenic rat model of neuroHIV. Brain Behav Immun 48:336-49
Nesil, Tanseli; Cao, Junran; Yang, Zhongli et al. (2015) Nicotine attenuates the effect of HIV-1 proteins on the neural circuits of working and contextual memories. Mol Brain 8:43
Morris, Niya L; Ippolito, Jill A; Curtis, Brenda J et al. (2015) Alcohol and inflammatory responses: summary of the 2013 Alcohol and Immunology Research Interest Group (AIRIG) meeting. Alcohol 49:1-6
Chen, Michael M; Zahs, Anita; Chang, Sulie L et al. (2014) Street smarts of science for students. Nat Immunol 15:997-9
Abbondanzo, Susan J; Chang, Sulie L (2014) HIV-1 transgenic rats display alterations in immunophenotype and cellular responses associated with aging. PLoS One 9:e105256

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