Funding

Research is being funded by two NIH grants.  The long-term objective of this grant-related research is to identify factors that contribute to psycho-stimulant induced acute withdrawal and thereby to facilitate the development of relevant preventive measures and treatments.

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA)

In September 2007, I received a three-year grant renewal to investigate the mechanisms involved in amphetamine-induced acute withdrawal. 

When a moderate dose of amphetamine is administered systemically to a rat, the animal is excessively active during the first several hours after administration, it is hypoactive during hours 18-24 post-administration, and it becomes normally active from around hour 25 post-administration.  Parallel changes are seen in food intake.  These changes in activity and food intake may reflect the tendency of amphetamine to produce an immediate psychomotor stimulant state and an acute withdrawal state, followed by recovery.

The specific aim of the research is to assess hypotheses regarding mechanisms that might mediate amphetamine-induced states.  In particular, we are determining whether selective stimulation of dopamine receptor subtypes is sufficient to produce changes in locomotor activity and food intake indicative of acute withdrawal.  In order to evaluate the effects of these treatments on circadian patterns of activity and food intake, subjects are housed in individual stations where activity and feeding can be continuously monitored. We are also evaluating whether changes in gene expression in the dopaminergic system underlie changes in state.

     Relevant Links:

          NIH (The National Institutes on Health)

          NIDA (The National Institute on Drug Abuse)

          AREA (Academic Research Enhancement Award)

2. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

National Center for Research Resources (NCRR)

Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN/ INBRE) Award

In July 2004, we received a five-year grant to investigate the psychological significance of amphetamine-induced hypo-activity and to further explore mechanisms that might be involved in this and other potential indicators of acute withdrawal.

We have begun to evaluate whether an acute withdrawal state is present near hour 20 post-amphetamine administration by employing behavioral procedures that would be expected to be diagnostic for such a condition.  Among the procedures we have begun to employ are the conditioned place procedure and the progressive ratio procedure.  In instances where a particular procedure provides evidence for acute withdrawal, we will use pharmacological and molecular approaches to investigate underlying  mechanisms.

     Relevant Links:

          NIH (The National Institutes on Health)

          NCRR (National Center for Research Resources)

          KBRIN/ INBRE (Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network)

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