Previous research suggests that activation of the HPA axis leads to the development of behavioral sensitization to drugs of abuse. In addition, stress has been shown to reduced PKA function and RIIBeta (Rllp) expression in the frontal cortex of rats. The Rlbeta knockout (-/-) mouse model allows for the opportunity to study the effects of stress and ethanol in a model which has blunted PKA activity in several key brain regions. The Rllbeta subunit has been shown to be important in the protection against the development of behavioral sensitization: Rllbeta -/- mice are more susceptible to ethanol and amphetamine-induced locomotor sensitization. Experiement I will test the hypothesis that Rlbeta -/- mice are more susceptible to stress by evaluating several key aspects of HPA axis function before and after stressors. Experiment II will determine if stressors can substitute for ethanol in a sensitization paradigm. Finally, Experiment III will determine if antagonists of HPA axis signaling can block the acquisition and expression of locomotor sensitization. A better understanding of the role of stress in this model should broaden the field's understanding of the contributions of specific stressors to the development and maintenance of behavioral sensitization.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AA015877-02
Application #
7135646
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAA1-HH (30))
Program Officer
Grandison, Lindsey
Project Start
2005-08-04
Project End
2007-05-13
Budget Start
2006-08-04
Budget End
2007-05-13
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$22,138
Indirect Cost
Name
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
608195277
City
Chapel Hill
State
NC
Country
United States
Zip Code
27599