Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch
Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section
The longterm goals of the Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section of the NIDA-IRP are to characterize the persistent neurotoxic effects of drugs such as amphetamine (AMPH), methamphetamine (METH) and methoxymethamphetamine (MDMA). The section also evaluates the cognitive effects of METH in rodent models. In addition to the basic research, the section conducts clinical studies on the neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological and neurovascular effects of illicit drugs in humans.
Jean Lud Cadet, M.D., Branch Chief
Secretary: Maryann Carrigan
Overview
The longterm goals of the Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section of the NIDA-IRP have been to characterize the persistent neurotoxic effects of drugs such as amphetamine (AMPH), methamphetamine (METH) and methoxymethamphetamine (MDMA). We have shown that METH causes apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. METH activates the mitochondrial cell death pathway to kill enkephalinergic neurons in the brain. In addition, METH causes increases in the transcription of genes involving in promoting cell death as well as those involved in DNA repair and in protective mechanisms. More recently, we also showed that the Fas death pathway is involved in causing apoptosis in the rodent brain.
In addition to the basic research, the section has been investigating the neuropsychiatric, neuropsychological and neurovascular effects of illicit drugs in humans. The clinical unit of the section has provided a detailed account of the neurovascular and neuropsychological effects of cocaine and marijuana using clinically relevant tests such as transcranial Doppler sonography and comprehensive neuropsychological batteries.
Future Directions
- To identify novel genes that are regulated by METH in the rat striatum using serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE).
- To investigate mechanisms involved in NPY-induced protection against METH-induced toxicity.
- To investigate the role of various trophic factors against METH-induced neuronal apoptosis and terminal degeneration. To identify relevant pathways involved in such protection.
- To assess possible correlation between cognitive and blood flow abnormalities in cocaine abusers.
- To assess possible correlation between cognitive and blood flow abnormalities in marijuana abusers.
- To investigate the impact of psychiatric co-morbidity (manic-depressive and schizophrenic disorders) on cognition and blood flow in marijuana and cocaine abusers.
Areas of Research
- Clinical neurobiology of drug abuse and addiction
- Cellular and molecular neurotoxicology of drugs of abuse
- Free radicals and neurodegeneration
- Cell death related genes and the toxicity of drugs of abuse
- Catecholamines and neurodegenerative disorders
- Parkinsons disease
- Schizophrenia
Personnel
- Warren Better M.S., Research Data Analyst
- Christie Brannock, Lab Manager
- Stephanie Buie, Student IRTA
- Ning-sheng Cai M.D., Research Associate
- Xiaolin Deng Ph.D., Research Associate
- Benvinda dos Santos Ph.D., Visiting Foreign Fellow
- Devon Graham, Student IRTA, Ph.D. Candidate
- Ron Herning Ph.D., Research Psychologist
- Subramaniam Jayanthi Ph.D., Research Associate
- Irina Krasnova Ph.D., Research Associate
- Bruce Ladenheim, Research Technician II
- Michael McCoy M.S., Research Biologist
- Pierre Noailles Ph.D., Postdoctoral IRTA
- Elyssa Pursell, Student Volunteer, M.S. Candidate
- Natascha Wilson Ph.D., Postdoctoral IRTA
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