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（METH）暴露的体内反应的分子和行为基础。我们亦计划加强我们的知识环境，并提高学员和教职员对药物滥用研究的兴趣。在未来五年内，梅哈里医学院MIDARP计划的具体目标是：1。在药物滥用研究的高影响力期刊上发表至少10篇或更多同行评议的论文; 2.在建议的资助期内，于2003年或之前提交4份或以上的药物滥用研究赠款申请;在2005年年底前获得3个或更多的奖励;以及4。透过加强课程、举办研讨会及专题讨论会，以激发更多教职员及学员对药物滥用研究的兴趣。提出了一个主要和一个试点研究项目，都来自初级研究人员。在第一个项目中，H。Khoshbouei将描述多巴胺转运蛋白对METH与安非他明的生物物理特性，以了解METH更大的成瘾潜力。Chirwa博士将描述产前METH暴露对成人记忆和学习的细胞（电生理和分子）相关性的影响。因此，该计划将寻求了解甲基苯丙胺对大脑的影响，同时激发其他教师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.