Neuro-Immune Interactions

A. Area of Research:

My research interest is to identify and characterize the regulatory pathways linking the immune and neuroendocrine systems. The focus has been on neuropeptides, cytokines, and their receptors that are common to the two systems. The primary neuropeptide hormones and cytokines being investigated are: corticotropin (ACTH), melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and interleukin 10 (IL-10). We want to know the major role(s) of this regulatory connection and to this end have been investigating these factors in systems involving viral infections (HIV and others), endocrine disorders, behavioral paradigms (sleep, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder) and drugs of abuse.

B. Grant Support:

Current:

1. Co-Principal Investigator: "Mechanisms of HIV-Induced Alterations in Sleep." National Institute of Mental Health, 1 RO1 MN54976, 10% effort, total budget $1,015,176, 9/96-8/2001.

2. Co-Principal Investigator: "Dynamics of interleukin-10 in neuro-immune interactions," National Institute of Mental Health, 1 RO1 MH56865, 30% effort, total budget $611,517; 4/1/97-3/31/00.

3. Consultant: "Role of nitric oxide in HIV, gp120 induced effects on the nervous system," National Institute of Drug Abuse, Minorities in Research Development Program, State University of New York College at Old Westbury, 5/98-4/03.