Methamphetamine Research Program at Meharry Medical College

描述（由申请人提供）：本申请中描述的拟议MIDARP计划的长期目标是提高Meharry医学院在药物滥用和成瘾方面进行严格研究的能力，重点是健康差异和临床服务不足的人群。该研究计划将寻求了解急性和慢性甲基苯丙胺（冰毒）暴露的体内反应的分子和行为基础。我们也计划加强我们的智力环境，提高学员和教员对药物滥用研究的兴趣。梅哈里医学院MIDARP计划在未来五年内的具体目标是：1。在药物滥用研究领域的高影响力期刊上发表至少10篇经同行评审的论文；2. 在计划资助期的第三年之前，提交四份或以上的药物滥用研究资助申请；3. 在2005年底前获得3个或以上的研究人员发起的奖励；和4。通过改进课程、研讨会和专题讨论会，激发更多教员和学员对药物滥用研究的兴趣。提出了一个初级研究项目和一个试点研究项目，均来自初级研究人员。在主要项目中，H. Khoshbouei博士将描述多巴胺转运体对冰毒和安非他明反应的生物物理特性，以了解冰毒更大的成瘾潜力。Chirwa博士将描述产前甲基安非他明暴露对成人记忆和学习相关细胞（电生理和分子）的影响。因此，该计划将寻求了解甲基苯丙胺对大脑的影响，同时激发其他教员和学员对药物滥用研究的兴趣。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The long-range goal of the proposed MIDARP program described in this application is to increase the capacity of Meharry Medical College to conduct rigorous research in drug abuse and addiction with an emphasis on health disparities and clinically underserved populations. The research program will seek to understand the molecular and behavioral basis for the in-vivo responses to acute and chronic methamphetamine (METH) exposures. We also plan to strengthen our intellectual environment and enhance the interest levels of trainees and faculty in drug abuse research. The Specific Aims of the Meharry Medical College MIDARP Program during the next five years are: 1. To publish at least 10 or more peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals in drug abuse research; 2. To submit 4 or more applications for grants in drug abuse research by year-03 of the proposed award period; 3. To acquire 3 or more investigator-initiated awards by the end of year-05; and 4. To stimulate additional faculty and trainee interest in drug abuse research by curricula enhancement, seminars and symposia. One primary and one pilot research projects are proposed, all from junior investigators. In the primary project, Dr. H. Khoshbouei will characterize the biophysical properties of the dopamine transporter in response to METH versus amphetamine in an effort to understand the greater addictive potential of METH. Dr. Chirwa will characterize the impact of prenatal METH exposure on cellular (electrophysiological and molecular) correlates of adult memory and learning. This program will, thus, seek to understand the effect of Methamphetamine on the brain while stimulating the interests of other faculty members and trainees in drug abuse research.