PILOT STUDIES

此组件描述支持和管理系列产品的计划 试点项目，包括科学和技术程序 复习一下。康涅狄格州大学ARC的试点研究是 开发对该中心不可或缺的研究计划，但 它还通过各种其他筹资机制延伸到它之外。 在本赠款周期内，试点研究共产生了 14份同行评议出版物，并为五份成功的赠款作出了贡献 已通过R01、R03或R21机制提供资金的应用程序。 通过这些方式，试点研究方案在 康涅狄格州大学ARC的活力和成长。 描述了七个独立的项目，其中三个将启动 在授权期的头两年(第一阶段)。剩下的 计划在最后三个期间实施四个项目 赠与年数(第二阶段)。基于试点研究的成功 计划在当前和以前的授权期内，三方 所采用的方法侧重于三个主要调查领域： 神经药理学/神经生物学、电生理学/脑成像 治疗试验。这一方法解决了 康涅狄格州大学ARC：对酒精相关问题的脆弱性；基本机制 酗酒、依赖和复发问题；以及酒精的治疗 依赖。 在新资助期的第一阶段，拟进行的研究包括 转基因小鼠品系的建立及表型分析 GABAA受体a6亚单位基因表达的研究 危险饮酒和抑郁症对女性的电生理影响， 以及一项治疗试验，检查使用的安全性和可行性 阿片类拮抗剂纳曲酮减少饮酒问题 青少年。将在赠款周期第二阶段进行的研究 包括酒精和神经类固醇对GABA功能调节研究 以及针对多巴胺的纯化抗体的影响的研究 自愿酒精摄入量的受体亚型。这一阶段还将 包括对酒精、可卡因和反社会的影响的研究 人格障碍对脑血流的影响 核磁共振检查。最后，第二阶段将包括一项试验，评估 低成本、应急增援的门诊救治方法 酒精依赖者的出勤和留存以及酒精和药物的使用 病人。

This component describes plans for the support and management of a series of pilot projects, including procedures for scientific and technical review. Pilot studies in the UConn ARC have served as the basis for the development of programs of research that are integral to the Center, but which also extend beyond it through a variety of other funding mechanisms. During the current grant cycle, pilot studies have resulted in a total of 14 peer-review publications and have contributed to five successful grant applications, which have been funded through R01, R03, or R21 mechanisms. In these ways, the pilot studies program has played a crucial role in the vitality and growth of the UConn ARC. Seven separate projects are described, of which three will be initiated during the first two years of the grant period (Phase I). The remaining four projects are scheduled for implementation during the final three years of the grant (Phase II). Based upon the success of the pilot studies program during the current and previous grant periods, a tripartite approach is employed that focuses on three main investigational areas: neuropharmacology/neurobiology, electrophysiology/brain imaging, and treatment trials. This approach addresses the major research foci of the UConn ARC: vulnerability to alcohol-related problems; basic mechanisms of problem drinking, dependence, and relapse; and the treatment of alcohol dependence. During Phase I of the new grant period, proposed studies include the generation and phenotyping of transgenic mouse lines with altered expression of the GABAA receptor a6 subunit gene, a study of the electrophysiologic effects of hazardous drinking and depression in women, and a treatment trial that examines the safety and feasibility of using the opioid antagonist naltrexone to reduce problem drinking in adolescents. Studies to be conducted during Phase II of the grant cycle include a study of alcohol and neurosteroid modulation of GABA function and a study of the impact of purified antibodies directed against dopamine receptor subtypes on voluntary ethanol intake. This phase will also include a study of the effects of alcohol, cocaine, and antisocial personality disorder on cerebral blood flow, measured using functional MRI. Finally, Phase II will include a trial evaluating the effects of a low-cost, contingent reinforcement approach on ambulatory treatment attendance and retention, and on alcohol and drug use in alcohol-dependent patients.