The focus of this project is to investigate the interaction between opioid peptides and the hormones that are involved with growth and regeneration in the land crab Gecarcinus lateralis. Intercellular communication mechanisms have been shown to be preserved in evolution, thus the study of G. lateralis.' neuroendocrine system should provide information on how opioids modulate hormonal release in general. The promotion and/or cessation of growth and regeneration in crabs treated with various drugs and drug antagonists (e.g., met-enkephalin, naloxone) will be monitored by periodic measurements of regenerating limbs. Observations on the effects of growth hormones and releasing factors on behavior and behavioral interaction will be made with a Videomex monitoring instrument in conjunction with an Apple IIe computer. HPLC and immunoreactivity experiments will be employed in determination of monoamines and opioid peptides present in the eyestalk ganglia. Binding experiments will be performed to determine the identity of receptors that are involved in opioidhormonal interactions. Results obtained should yield information on intercellular communication and help document the endogenous complexity which will aid in making comparisons to vertebrate biomedical application. The project will also provide a unique model for neuroendocrine behavioral mechanisms with direct applications to mental health. The project will provide student research assistants with the opportunity to be exposed to research and thus be better prepared for graduate and professional training in the biomedical science. They will be immersed in all aspects of the project, from the care of animals, the conduct and assistance of the various experiments, to report writing and presentation at national meetings.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Resource-Related Research Projects (R24)
Project #
5R24DA009010-08
Application #
6270026
Study Section
Project Start
1997-12-01
Project End
1999-05-14
Budget Start
1997-10-01
Budget End
1998-09-30
Support Year
8
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
College at Old Westbury
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Old Westbury
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11568
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Cheng, Jeanette; Zhang, Chen; Han, Ji-Sheng et al. (2007) TENS stimulates constitutive nitric oxide release via opiate signaling in invertebrate neural tissues. Med Sci Monit 13:BR163-7
Stefano, George B; Bianchi, Enrica; Guarna, Massimo et al. (2007) Nicotine, alcohol and cocaine coupling to reward processes via endogenous morphine signaling: the dopamine-morphine hypothesis. Med Sci Monit 13:RA91-102
Esch, Tobias; Kim, Jae Won; Stefano, George B (2006) Neurobiological implications of eating healthy. Neuro Endocrinol Lett 27:21-33
Kream, Richard M; Stefano, George B (2006) De novo biosynthesis of morphine in animal cells: an evidence-based model. Med Sci Monit 12:RA207-19
Stefano, George B; Fricchione, Gregory L; Esch, Tobias (2006) Relaxation: molecular and physiological significance. Med Sci Monit 12:HY21-31
Zhu, Wei; Mantione, Kirk J; Casares, Federico M et al. (2006) Cholinergic regulation of endogenous morphine release from lobster nerve cord. Med Sci Monit 12:BR295-301

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