Research Description:
Untitled Document
Dr. Frantz has a joint appointment in the Neuroscience Institute as well as the Department of Biology
Our laboratory integrates the fields of developmental psychobiology, psychopharmacology,
and neurochemistry by investigating the neurobehavioral effects of drugs of abuse
in developing rats. Human recreational drug use peaks during the developmental
stage of adolescence, making experimental research on the mechanisms and consequences
of adolescent drug intake particularly relevant.
In order to examine the acute and long-term effects of drug exposure during
various stages of postnatal development, we use operant behavior models such
as intravenous or oral drug self-administration, in conjunction with neurochemical
assays such as in vivo microdialysis and high performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC). Of particular focus are interactions between dopamine and serotonin
in the mesocorticolimbic pathways that underlie drug-induced behavioral stimulation
and reinforcement. Drugs of interest are the psychomotor stimulant class, including
cocaine, MDMA (ecstasy), nicotine, and caffeine. Additional comparisons include
differential drug effects between genders. The overall goal is to explore the
ontological development of reinforcement, as well as the social and physiological
factors influencing drug use and effects in developing rats.
I am also active in science education and outreach. In concert with the Center
for Behavioral Neuroscience, we aim to reinforce science education in Atlanta
area schools by bringing kindergarten through 12th grade students and their
teachers into laboratories and science museums for hands-on experience with
scientific experiments and exhibits. We also hope to aid in community development
by increasing science awareness in the Atlanta general public. Participating
universities include Clark Atlanta, Emory, Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse,
Morris Brown, and Spelman. Local museums such as SciTrek and Fernbank are also
involved. The new Atlanta aquarium, scheduled to open in 2005, will provide
another fantastic educational venue for our programs.
Recent Publications:
Frantz, K.J., Koob, G.F. (2005) The Neurobiology of Addiction. In Coombs, R.H. (Ed.) Addiction Counseling Review. Lawrence Earlbaum Associated, Inc. Mahwah, NJ
Simmons, D.L., Smagula, C., Hoppenot, R., Frantz, K.,Walker, J., Feinberg, A. & Self, D.W. (in press) Gene expression and cocaine seeking in prolonged abstinence: modulation by withdrawal time and extinction training. European Society for Biochemical Research on Alcoholism 9th Congress.
Shahbazi, M., Moffett, A., Williams, B., Frantz, K. (2005) Acquisition of Amphetamine Self-Administration in Periadolescent and Adult Rats. 2005 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.
Frantz, K.J. The human HPLC column: minds-on neuroscience for the next generation. Ann NY Acad Sci (in press).
Redmond, J.C., Demetrikopoulos, M.K., Morris, L.G., Pecore, J., Parlier, D., Frantz, K.J., Carruth, L.L. Teaching about gender differences in memory and performance. Program No. 28.1. 2004 Abstract Viewer/Itinerary Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2004. Online.
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