• behavioral neuroscience and pharmacology of:
  • drug addiction and dependence;
  • anxiety;
  • depression;
  • learning and memory;
• pharmacology of ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate, nicotinic, serotonin receptor ligands.

Behavioural:
- animal models of anxiety: conflict drinking test (Vogel test), elevated plus-maze test, four plate test, open field test;
- tests predictive of antidepressant activity: forced swimm and tail suspension test;
- drug discrimination procedure and measurement of other operant behavior;
- analysis of exploratory activities: automated open field test and motor coordination measurement: rota-rod and grip strength tests;
- analgesia tests:hot plate test and tail-flick test;
- anticonvulsive activity: maximal electroshock seizure test, pentetrazole-induced convulsions;
- conditioned avoidance response and unconditional escape response;
- body temperature measurement;
- animal models for evaluation of 5-HT_1A- and/or 5-HT₂-receptor agonistic or antagonistic properties;
- learning and memory tests: Morris’ water maze, passive and active avoidance;
- place preference/aversion paradigm.

Stereotaxic brain surgery:
- implantation of cannula into brain areas;
- histology of cannulae positions.

Our former students: