Our recent research has focused on embryonic polydrug abuse effects on dopaminergic synaptic transmission and related behaviors. The chick embryo is well suited for studying polydrug abuse effects because, compared with rodent models, drugs and their combinations can be applied directly to embryonic fluids, embryonic stages are clearly defined, the nutritional status of the embryo can be directly manipulated, and relatively few control groups are required. In related research, chemical and electrolytic lesions are used to interrupt specific neural pathways in the chick brain to identify unique cerebral networks involved in learning and memory. Oxford University Press, 1993. Zolman,J.F., S.A. McDougall.
Dopamine antagonists produce an age-dependent increase in the responding of the young chick.
McDougall,S.A., J.L. Neisewander, M.T. Bardo, J.F. Zolman.