Dr. Nathan Pentkowski will present  Preclinical evidence for targeting specific serotonin receptors to treat stimulant use disorder.

 Abstract:  Cocaine and methamphetamine are powerful reinforcers, which often leads to high rates of abuse and dependence. Symptoms of stimulant withdrawal include drug craving and anxiety that can drive continued drug use and/or promote relapse. Currently, there are no FDA approved treatments for cocaine or methamphetamine use disorders, highlighting the need for research examining the neural mechanisms underlying psychostimulant-induced behaviors. Previous research examining the clinical utility of augmenting serotonin (5-HT) signaling on stimulant use disorders has produced mixed results. In order to help resolve these discrepancies, we investigated the effects of targeting specific serotonin receptors on stimulant-related behaviors in rodents. Our results offer preclinical support for targeting specific 5-HT receptors to treat stimulant use disorders.

Biography:  Nathan is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at UNM. Prior to joining the Psychology Department at UNM, he earned his Ph.D. in Psychology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Psychology Department and School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University. Nathan’s research utilizes behavioral, pharmacological, imaging and genetic techniques to examine the neurobiological mechanisms underlying drug abuse and anxiety disorders. His goal is to utilize these neuroscience techniques to identify the brain systems dysregulated in these highly comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders in order to develop novel pharmacotherapies.

Zoom link and information:

Link: https://unm.zoom.us/j/93318869319
Meeting ID: 933 1886 9319
Passcode: loganhall