The primary objective of this U.S.-Hungary cooperative research project between Dr. George Stefano of the State University of New York/College at Old Westbury and Dr. Janos Salanki of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences/Balaton Limnological Research Institute is to study basic neurobiological phenomena of opiate peptide and opiate receptor in simple organisms. Joint efforts will use well characterized invertebrate nervous systems of mollusks as models for elucidation of opioid mechanisms in general. The research should yield more information concerning opioid systems in evolutionary primitive and structurally simple organisms and provide a basis for comparison with vertibrate characteristics. Results will test the hypothesis that the structure of the subject neuropeptides has been conserved over time, with minor modifications. This project in neurobiology fulfills the program objective of advancing scientific knowledge by enabling experts in the United States and Eastern Europe to combine complementary talents and share research resources in areas of strong mutual interest and competence.
