The primary effort of this laboratory is directed toward understanding the biochemical and behavioral mechanisms involved in the stimulus and reinforcing effects of drugs. Of particular interest is the role of central dopamine systems in drug induced behaviors and in conditioning. A tutorial could consist of study of the effects of a drug of abuse or psychotherapeutic agent in one or more behavioral paradigms. Facilities are available for a variety of techniques including operant and classical conditioning and for small animal surgery.
Collaborative efforts involving behavioral measures and analytical neurochemistry are available.
Behavioral sensitization to cocaine in the absence of altered brain cocaine levels.