The efforts of the lab are directed to understand the signal transduction pathways involved in brain adenosinergic modulation of motor impairments produced by ethanol and cannabinoids. The work exclusively involves the study of the role of specific motor areas of the brain in CD-1 (outbred) and adenosine A2a and A3 "knockout" mice as well as Sprague-Dawley rats by use of direct microinfusion techniques. Currently, co-modulation by various neurotransmitter systems, such as GABAA, GABAB, kappa opioid, L-glutamate and cholinergic nicotinic, of the motor impairments by these psychotactive drugs of abuse is being investigated involving the use of molecular approaches including antisense technology.

Publications
DeSanty, K.P. and Dar, M.S. Cannabinoid-induced motor incoordination through the cerebellar CB1 receptor in mice. Pharmacol., Biochem. and Behavior. 69:251-259, 2001.

Dar, M.S. Cerebellar CB1 receptor mediation of (9-THC-induced motor incoordination and its potentiation by ethanol and modulation by the cerebellar adenosinergic A1 receptor in the mouse. Brain Res. 864:186-194, 2000.

Dar, M.S. Involvement of k-Opioids in the Mouse Cerebellar Adenosinergic Modulation of Ethanol-Induced Motor Incoordination. ALCOHOLISM: Clinical and Experimental Research Vol. 22 No. 2, 1998.

Barwick, V. Shawn, and Dar, M.S. Adenosinergic Modulation of Ethanol-Induced Motor Incoordination in the Rat Motor Cortex: Prog. Neuro-Psychopharmacol. & Biol. Psychiat 22: 587-607, 1998.

Dar, M.S. Mouse cerebellar adenosinergic modulation of ethanol-induced motor incoordination: possible involvement of cAMP. Brain Res 749:263-274, 1997.