NIDA Drug Abuse Training Program

Neural and Pharmacological Mechanisms of Abused Drugs

       Director:                 Dr. Kathryn A. Cunningham

Associate Director:    Dr. Kenneth M. Johnson

* Mentors * Predoctoral Trainees * Postdoctoral Trainees * Activities

Overview

The goal of the Drug Abuse Training Program is to educate pre-(N=2) and postoctoral trainees (N=2-3) in the pharmacological and neural mechanisms of action of drugs of abuse for a period of 2-3 years.  For predoctoral trainees, emphasis is initially placed upon imparting a rigorous academic background, an introduction to research concepts and methodologies via laboratory rotations, followed by 2-3 years of original research.  Research will focus on issues of primary importance to the elucidation of mechanisms by which drugs of abuse interact with neurotransmitters and influence neurotransmission.  Postdoctoral trainees will concentrate on research throughout their training and will work closely with the Program Faculty who will facilitate the development of their scientific and professional careers.

The Drug Abuse Training Program at the University of Texas Medical Branch capitalizes on a superb Program Faculty who exhibit multi-disciplinary research directions and methodological approaches that span from the examination of gene transcription to intracellular synaptic currents to the pharmacological analysis of drug discrimination mechanisms.  The research directions of the Program Faculty extend over multiple neurotransmitters (e.g., excitatory/inhibitory amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine) and neuro-modulators (e.g., CRF, opioids, hormones) and a multitude of methods, including molecular biology, electrophysiology, neurochemistry, and behavior.  The program draws upon the strengths of a multidisciplinary faculty in pharmacology, toxicology and neuroscience to provide the scientific atmosphere in which students can develop an appreciation for the complex conceptual issues involved, the methodological approaches which can be applied, and the depth of the knowledge awaiting discovery.  As the only training grant on Drug Abuse in the expansive State of Texas our program is well positioned to generate a cadre of researchers dedicated to the study of substance abuse.

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