Biological
Neuropharmacological and behavioral approaches are combined to explore the relationship between the biology of the organism and its behavior. Research in the department incorporates neurochemical, immunohistochemical, molecular and genetic techniques to determine causation of behavior from numerous perspectives, in collaboration with faculty in the Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience (IPN).
Associated Faculty: Henricks, McLaughlin, Morgan
Research interests within this area
- Addictions (Henricks, McLaughlin, Morgan)
- Cannabis (Henricks, McLaughlin, Morgan)
- Pain (Morgan)
Angela Henricks
Work in the Brain Alcohol Research (BAR) Lab (*See disclaimer) uses rodent models to better understand the neurobiology of substance use and mental illness. We use translational approaches to identify neural circuits associated with addiction-related behavior and development, often in the context of co-occurring mental illness. Since males and females demonstrate different vulnerabilities to psychological disorders (e.g., addiction, depression, psychosis), and females have historically been understudied in preclinical research, we are particularly focused on understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of these sex differences. Our ultimate goal is to enhance translation of preclinical findings to clinical populations, and contribute to the development of personalized, effective therapies for substance use disorder and mental illness in women and men.
Ryan McLaughlin
The increasingly pervasive impact of stress in our day-to-day lives has served as a catalyst for the growing prevalence of affective disorders in today’s society. Consequently, understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of stress and the mechanisms by which these factors influence the brain and behavior is of the utmost importance. My research to date has focused on elucidating the neuroanatomical framework that mediates stress coping, emotionality, and goal-directed behavior, and how exposure to environmental factors (i.e., chronic stress, drugs of abuse) can produce long-lasting neurobiological adaptations that contribute to disruptions in homeostasis and the emergence of negative affective states. This is the foundation of my research program as a tenure-track Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience at Washington State University (WSU).
Michael Morgan
The analgesic effects of morphine and other opioids decrease with repeated administration. Our lab has shown that a brain structure known as the periaqueductal gray plays an important role in morphine analgesia and tolerance. Our current objective is to understand the neural mechanism within the periaqueductal gray that causes this change in morphine potency. These studies use in vitro electrophysiology and behavioral pharmacology to link molecular changes in cell signaling to behavior.
*Disclaimer: This link leads to an external website that is not hosted by the university. The views and content expressed are those of the faculty member and do not represent the official positions of the university.