UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
Grant: $185,625 - National Institutes of Health - Jul. 16, 2009
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Award Description: The relevance of this research is for providing guiding information and principles concerning the understanding of both the normal processes and the drug-induced changes involved in the long-term consequences of drug exposure in the neural circuitry of the brain. In this application, a novel mechanism for cocaine actions underlying the plasticity of synaptic plasticity (i.e. metaplasticity) in the hippocampal formation will be investigated, and the subsequent effects of exposure to cocaine on such processes will be assessed. Determining how metaplasticity may contribute to the persistence of craving/relapse will point the way toward relevant clinical approaches to the treatment of addiction.
Project Description: We have initiated specific aim IA studies, as outlined below. *Specific Aim IA.* Is the frequency-dependence for the induction of synaptic plasticity modulated by the activation of D_3 receptors or cocaine? *1.* Using extracellular fEPSP recording techniques in the stratum radiatum layer, the frequency-response relationship for various conditioning frequencies is being determined in drug naïve slices and slices exposed to either 1mM PD128907 or 10mM cocaine. *2.* These findings (IA1.) are being complemented by additional experiments in which a larger number of conditioning pulses are employed (600 x 2 for a total of 1200). This is needed in order to fully assess the potential impact of the lower conditioning frequencies in producing LTD.
Jobs Summary: Three graduate research assistants with an FTE of .438 (228.80/522) (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Jul. 16, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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