The Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (DPET) contains a core group of investigators studying the pharmacological substrates for drug addiction and chemical dependence. Our work utilizes experimental animal models to examine behaviors affected by drugs and alcohol, neurochemical alterations produced by drug exposure, neuroadaptive changes underlying these behaviors, and various approaches to manipulate these changes. There exist numerous collaborative projects and interactive learning opportunities for students among these research groups, such as neuropsychopharmacology of stress and addiction by Drs. Miczek and Hammer and neuropeptide studies by Drs. Beinfeld and Kream.

Dr. Margery C. Beinfeld is studying the role of cholecystokinin (CCK) in brain. This peptide is co-localized with dopamine in mesocorticolimbic projections and CCK appears to modulate dopamine-mediated behaviors, including reward. Dr. Beinfeld's research examines how acute and chronic psychostimulant treatment affect CCK release in this pathway.

Dr. Richard M. Kream is involved in developing novel preclinical approaches to pain management employing opioids in combination with neuropeptides. Initial studies indicate that coactivation of opioid and other peptidergic spinal systems produces analgesia with a reduced requirement for opioids and reduced addiction liability.

Research by Dr. Klaus A. Miczek, conducted in Bacon Hall on the Medford campus, is concentrated on brain catecholamines, serotonin, opioid peptides and related substances that mediate the actions of psychostimulants, opiates and alcohol. These drugs of abuse are examined at the behavioral, physiological and neurochemical level using in vivo microdialysis, gene expression, biotelemetry, i.v. and oral self-administration, as well as quantitative ethological methodologies. A special feature of the research is the focus on drug use in a social context, and its impact on aggression.

Dr. Louis Shuster is exploring the effects of narcotic antagonists on craving for and stimulation by morphine, cocaine and amphetamine. In collaboration with researchers from the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, he studies the role of endogenous opioids in self injurious and stereotypic behavior disorders. He is also interested in liver damage resulting from the metabolism of cocaine, and pharmacogenetics of drugs of abuse.

Dr. Michael L. Thompson