| Grant number: | 98/10639-7 |
| Support type: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |
| Duration: | January 01, 1999 - June 30, 2003 |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Pharmacology - Neuropsychopharmacology |
| Principal Investigator: | Francisco Silveira Guimaraes |
| Grantee: | Francisco Silveira Guimaraes |
| Home Institution: | Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil |
| Co-Principal Investigators: | Antonio Waldo Zuardi ; Elaine Aparecida Del Bel Belluz Guimarães |
Abstract
The main objective of the present is to investigate neural systems involved in responses to aversive events. In addition, it will allow the consolidation of research techniques such as immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization, as well as the introduction of new techniques in our Campus such as in vivo microdialysis. The following studies will be developed: 1) Tole of glutamate and nitric oxide (NO) on responses mediated by the brain aversive system. Behavioral effects of NMDA or NO related drugs, administered into the brain aversive system, will be investigated in animal models of anxiety. In addition, changes in proto-oncogenes and NO synthase will also be studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. 2) Effects of manipulations of NMDA/glycine receptors in the dorsal central gay (DCG) in the elevated T-maze test. The role of glutamate neurotransmission in the DCG on anxiety modulation will be investigated in this new model of anxiety. 3) Role of the hipocampal formation on behavioral and neurochemical consequences of stress. Behavioral changes induced by NMDA or NO related drugs, administered into the hippocampus, will be investigated in animal submitted to stress models (immobilization, social isolation). Modifications on NOS, NMDA receptors or APP proteins in this region will also be studied. 4) Experimental tests of the dual hypothesis of the role of serotonin in anxiety using the elevated T-maze test. Pharmacological and biochemical approaches, including immunohistochemistry and in vivo microdialysis techniques, will be employed to investigate the effects of 5HT manipulations in this new model of anxiety. 5) Clinical studies on the role of serotonin in anxiety and the effects of canabidiol (CBD) on psychotic patients. Patients with different forms of anxiety will be submitted to clinical models related to learned or unlearned anxiety. Responses of helathy volunteers submitted to these models under the effect of nefazodone, a serotonin related drug, will also be investigated. In addition, possible anxiolytic and/or antipsychotic effects of a cannabinoid, CBD, will be studied in schizophrenic patients. (AU)