NEUROIMAGING CENTER
Sleep Research Laboratory
Dr. Cynthia Dorsey, Ph.D. with Dr. David Harper, Ph.D. of the Geriatric Research Lab |
Recent Updates
Researchers in the Sleep Research Laboratory, led by director Scott Lukas, continue to work in collaboration with investigators in the Brain Imaging Center to attempt to detect chemical changes in the brain that may be related to sleep disturbance associated with substance abuse and changes in sleep homeostasis. Such chemical changes in the brain are undetectable by more traditional means of assessment which measure only blood flow and glucose metabolism. Recent preliminary data obtained from control subjects studied in the 4-Tesla scanner replicated the investigators' previous findings using the 1.5 T of an increase in beta-NTP, a correlate of ATP, on the morning after a night of recovery sleep immediately following sleep deprivation. The 4T study results also showed a significant increase in beta-NTP on the morning after sleep deprivation, before recovery sleep. Methadone-maintained individuals are being studied using the same protocol. Continuing research on the effects of sleep deprivation on brain chemistry in those who are drug dependent may lead to a better understanding of changes in sleep as a function of substance abuse and withdrawal-related insomnia as an important contributor to relapse.
Investigators in the Sleep Research Laboratory participated in a multi-center trial using zolpidem to treat menopause-related insomnia. Recently published results from this trial showed subjective improvements in sleep quality and quantity with use of zolpidem.
The Sleep Research Laboratory maintains a close collaboration with ongoing clinical trials at the Sleep HealthCenters®.
Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory
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For information about the recent kudzu study, please visit the lab's kudzu study page. |
Directed by Dr. Scott Lukas, the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory (BPRL) is a clinical research laboratory focused on exploring the neurobiological bases of drug and alcohol-induced reward, and on developing new medications and treatments for drug and alcohol abuse.
Because many of the study protocols involve assessing brain activity using fMRI, or measuring brain changes using MRS, the laboratory collaborates heavily with scientists from McLean's Brain Imaging Center and relocated to the first floor of the newly renovated Neuroimaging Center in June of 2001.
Dr. Scott Lukas |
Recent Updates
Dr. Lukas established the laboratory in 1990. It was previously located in East House.
Researchers in the Behavioral Psychopharmacology Laboratory discovered that ingestion of the herb kudzu reduced the intoxicating effects of low doses of alcohol in adult social drinkers while producing no side effects. In collaboration with researchers from the MRC's Bio-Organic and Natural Products Laboratory, led by David Yue-Wei Lee, PhD, we have isolated a crude extract of the root that is 50 times more powerful than the raw product. Studies are underway to determine this product's effects on social drinking in a natural setting.
Behavioral Psychopharmacology Research Laboratory &
Sleep Research Laboratory
Study Recruitment
The following are studies at the BRPL and SRL for which we are looking for volunteers. See the McLean Research study page for more information about these and other clinical trials at McLean.
- Healthy Smokers Wanted
- Moderate Drinkers Wanted
- Drug Cravings Study
- Alcohol Treatment Study
- Marihuana & Sleep Study
More Information
- Funding
- Personnel
- Research Developments and Highlights
- Training Opportunities
- Study Recruitment
- Recent Appointments
- Published and Submitted Papers