Medications Discovery Research Branch
Psychobiology Section
Mission Statement
The Psychobiology Section of the NIDA Intramural Research Program conducts research on the pharmacological mechanisms that underlie (1) the reinforcing (rewarding) effects of abused drugs, (2) the behavioral and central nervous system stimulant effects of abused drugs, (3) the subjective/interceptive effects of abused drugs. Studies concentrate on examining the contributions of various behavioral and pharmacological mechanisms responsible for the abuse of drugs. Research is also directed at the development of potential therapeutic entities that might be of use in the treatment of drug abuse.
Program Areas
Program areas include the use of novel synthetic entities to determine structure activity relations for various effects of abused substances. In particular, relationships between compound structure and the affinity of the compound for specific binding sites, or efficacy in various second messenger systems is assessed. These relationships are related to the behavioral effects of the drugs. The particular behavioral effects are those that have immediate relevance for drug abuse, such as reinforcing effects assessed in intravenous drug self-administration procedures, as well as subjective effects assessed in assays of the discriminative stimulus effects of drugs. Realization of these goals will ultimately result in an appreciation of the underlying physiology of drug dependence and addictive behavior. Further, a basic knowledge of the pharmacology of addiction will lead to new medical approaches to the treatment of drug abuse.
Name: Jonathan L. Katz
Title: Acting Branch Chief, Medications Discovery Research Branch
Telephone Number: (410) 550-1533
Synopsis of Research
The general goal of the research is examining the various pharmacological mechanisms by which cocaine and other drugs of abuse such as amphetamine-like stimulants, exert their effects related to their abuse liability. Current focus is on an examination of the dopaminergic mechanisms responsible for the behavioral effects of cocaine, as well as agonists that act indirectly by releasing transmitter. Several studies are directed at the behavioral significance of the various dopamine receptor subtypes. In addition, the dopamine transporter as the primary target for the behavioral effects of cocaine is being examined. For this site, the behavioral significance of high and low affinity binding and uptake inhibition is being investigated. Understanding the roles of each of these targets will promote an understanding of the mechanisms underlying the behavioral effects of drugs of abuse can lead to insights into the development of pharmacological treatments for the abuse of cocaine.
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Medications Discovery Research Branch
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