The project on Behavioral Pharmacology is primarily aimed at elucidating interactions between functions of (a) the glutamate-mediated corticostriatal system and related anatomical systems and (b) dopaminergic systems, including the nigrostriatal system, and functional effects of stimulant and neuroleptic drugs. Related to this primary aim are several related goals: 1. Elucidation of the functional effects of the """"""""AA2"""""""" or quisqualic acid excitatory amino acid receptor, in relationship to stimulants, compounds with possible anticonvulsant effects, and alcohol withdrawal. 2. A search for more effective antagonists of the AA2 receptor. 3. Studies on the hypothetical non-specificity of postsynaptic denervation supersensitivity in the central nervous system. 4. Studies of CNS effects of sulfur-containing amino acids. The ultimate purpose of these studies is to enhance our understanding of the mode of action of neuroleptics and possibly brain dysfunction in schizophrenia as well. Secondary purposes are to enhance our understanding of mechanisms of stimulant drug effects, alcohol addiction, to develop compounds with potential utility for the acute treatment of stimulant overdose, schizophrenia, and seizure disorders, and to understand the possible forms of plasticity in the corticostriatal system.
