The abuse of alcohol is controlled by multiple effects of the drug, including its subjective and reinforcing effects and its capacity to trigger relapse. Dr. Platt’s research explores brain mechanisms, in particular GABA_A receptor mechanisms, underlying the effects of alcohol by determining the impact of specific pharmacological probes in nonhuman primate models of the behavioral effects of alcohol. This research should provide key information about alcohol’s neuropharmacological mechanisms and aid identification of receptor targets and drug discovery efforts for the treatment of alcohol abuse and alcoholism.

With respect to genotype/phenotype relationships in the context of alcohol abuse, Dr. Platt and her colleagues in the Division of Neuroscience are interested in understanding the contribution of polymorphic variation in the mu opioid receptor gene to sensitivity to the abuse-related effects of alcohol and to responsiveness to naltrexone pharmacotherapy. These studies should yield important information about how specific genetic variables play a role in an individual’s vulnerability to the addictive effects of alcohol and responsivity to naltrexone therapy. Ultimately, the results should inform the selection of anti-alcohol medication that is tailored to an individual’s likelihood of positive treatment response.

Finally, Dr. Platt and her colleagues have investigated the role of monoaminergic and glutamatergic mechanisms in the reinforcing and relapse-inducing effects of cocaine. Results from these investigations illustrate the complex pharmacology underlying the effects of cocaine related to its abuse. Moreover, these studies should help to identify viable molecular targets for the development of pharmacotherapies for cocaine addiction.