Pharmacologic and genetic methods are being used to determine the psychobiological mechanisms underlying various behavioral processes. The current research is focused on the neurobiology of anxiety, impulsivity and aggression in mice and on learning and memory processes in humans. The effects of ethanol, and of drugs with known and specific mechanisms of action are being investigated. Selective alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonists have been shown to reduce ethanol's hypothermic and ataxic effects but not to alter ethanol's anxiolytic, anticonvulsant or locomotor stimulant effects. The effect is mediated centrally rather than peripherally and appears to involve alpha-2 adrenoceptors rather than imidazoline. Male mice that show high levels of aggression towards their cage mates differ from both their subordinate cage-mates and from control mice housed in cages in which little fighting is observed. The most consistent difference is observed in Porsolt's swim test where subordinate mice show increased immobility relative to controls. The behavioral difference appear to follow rather than precede the aggressive social interactions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Type
Intramural Research (Z01)
Project #
1Z01AA000268-07
Application #
3789532
Study Section
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
Budget End
Support Year
7
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
State
Country
United States
Zip Code