The first has been to examine the role of protein phosphorylation in the release of acetylcholine as it relates to the mechanism of action of Botulinum neurotoxin A, an inhibitor of release. BoNT A increases phosphorylation of several neuron-specific proteins. The second project involves the role of neuropeptides in analgesia and temperature regulation. Preliminary results indicates that CCK interacts with opiod peptides in the periaqueductal greyof the rat. Endogenous dynoorphin is involved in the hypothermic response of rats to neurotensin.
Work is ongoing to elucidate the mechanisms.
Sterling, G.H .