• ENDOGENUS TETRAHYDROISOQUINOLINES (TIQs)
  • the physiological role and pharmacological potential of endogenous tetrahydroisoquinolines: behavioral and neurochemical studies;
• PARKINSON'S DISEASE
  Animal models of PD
  • rotenone;
  • neurotoxic tetrahydroisoquinolines (salsolinol, 1BnTIQ);
  • dopamine metabolism and release (in vivo as a target for neurotoxic and neuroprotective agents;
• ADDICTION
  • behavioral and neurochemical correlates of craving and drug dependence (cocaine, morphine);
  • neuroprotective tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQ, 1MeTIQ) as antiadditive agents;
  • 3-metoxytyramine (3-MT) and its physiological role in dopamine stimulation and drug addiction: behavioral and molecular studies.

Biochemical:
- radioligand binding assay;
- the HPLC analysis of biogenic amines (dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin) and their metabolites (DOPAC, 3-MT, - HVA; MOPEG, 5-HIAA);
- assessment of metabolic rates;
- assay of monoamine tissue uptake;
- assay of MAO activity;
- in vivo microdialysis study.

Behavioural:
- locomotor activity and stereotypy;
- catalepsy;
- tail flick and hot plate tests;
- Porsolt’s test;
- instrumental treatments - electroconvulsive shock.

The Department cooperates with:

the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson (USA)

- studies on the role of NOS inhibitor in the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs.

Engineers, Technicians, and Other Employees: