Irwin Lucki

Research Synopsis: 

Current studies focus on the role of specific neurotransmitters, such as serotonin (5-HT), in the behavioral effects of antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs. Animal models for depression and anxiety are used to evaluate the potential efficacy of different neurotransmitter and peptide receptors for clinical therapeutic effects, to identify brain regions associated with behavioral responses to drugs, and to construct and evaluate pharmacological models for improving the efficacy of psychiatric medications. The participation of central 5-HT neurotransmission in depression, anxiety and neuroendocrine regulation associated with behavioral stress is specifically being investigated. Microdialysis procedures are used to measure the release of neurotransmitters in discrete regions of awake freely-moving rats or mice. These studies provide information on the regulation of the release of neurotransmitters in different brain regions, determine environmental and behavioral conditions that alter the release of neurotransmitters, and measure the effects of drugs during behavioral performance. Finally, studies of different inbred mouse strains or knockout mice are examining genetic factors associated with complex behaviors and the behavioral effects of psychotherapeutic medications.