RESEARCH ON THE PSYCHOBIOLOGICAL BASES OF DRUG ADDICTION. Web link
Master's Degree in Drug Dependence: Research, Treatment and Drug Pathologies www.uv.es/mastdrog/
Red Trastornos Adictivos www.redrta.es/
- To study the role of the dopaminergic system, the opioid system, the endocannabinoid system, the substance P of excitatory amino acids and nitric oxide in the positive reinforcing effects of morphine, cannabis, alcohol, psychostimulants well as new designer drugs. To identify new therapeutic targets, testing drugs that can block or reduce drug self-administration.
- To analyse the role of the dopaminergic system, the opioid system, the endocannabinoid system, the substance P of excitatory amino acids and nitric oxide in the conditioned effects associated with the phenomena of tolerance, dependence and symptoms of withdrawal from the abuse of the drugs mentioned above.
- To observe the involvement of the structures of the limbic system (nucleus accumbens, prefrontal cortex) in both the development of dependence and the conditioned effects in the withdrawal syndrome of morphine and other drugs of abuse.
- To identify the neurobiological and environmental determinants involved in the relapse to opiates, cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy (MDMA) and liquid ecstasy (GHB), developing animal models of relapse using conditioned place preference and oral and intravenous self-administration. To investigate contextual situations able to reinstate the approach or avoidance behaviour.
- To identify neurobiological systems involved in relapse from an anatomical, neuropharmacological and genetical approach.
- To identify the trigger mechanisms of neurotoxicity processes of abused drugs (psychostimulants) and to search for possible treatments.
- To study the role of neurotrophic factors in addiction and toxicity of drugs of abuse.
