Therapeutic Targeting of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in a Rat Model of FASD

NIH K99 Application (Non-funded, 2014) Specific Aims. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include a wide-range of abnormal neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurobehavioral outcomes resulting from the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the developing embryo or fetus [1]. One of the key aims of FASD research is the development of successful treatments to improve cognition in affected … Continue reading Therapeutic Targeting of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in a Rat Model of FASD →

The role of corticotropin releasing factor in the enhancement of conditioned fear in alcohol-dependent rats.

Research Proposal (non-funded; 2015) Background and Significance. Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) may play a critical role in the motivational effects of continued alcohol abuse [1]. While CRF has been intensively studied for its function in stress and anxiety within the HPA axis, it its function in key limbic areas position this peptide to regulate affective … Continue reading The role of corticotropin releasing factor in the enhancement of conditioned fear in alcohol-dependent rats. →

Optogenetic Strategies to Mitigate Aberrant Fear Conditioning in Alcohol-Withdrawn Mice

Below you will find the Research Strategy for an NIH K01 application submitted 2017 and 2018. Neither submission was funded. The experiments described under Aim 1 were published in Hippocampus [(2021) Jan;31(1):3-10. doi: 10.1002/hipo.23263. Epub 2020 Sep 18]. RESEARCH STRATEGY BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE Withdrawal from drugs of abuse directly impacts the brain’s stress and memory … Continue reading Optogenetic Strategies to Mitigate Aberrant Fear Conditioning in Alcohol-Withdrawn Mice →