THE WINIFRED MASTERSON
BURKE MEDICAL
RESEARCH INSTITUTE
WEEKLY COLLOQUIUM
TUESDAY, 07/09/2013, 12:30 PM
ROSEDALE CONFERENCE ROOM
BILLINGS BUILDING
Contributions of Endorphins, Stress Responsivity, and Gene
Variants to Specific Addictive Diseases
Mary Jeanne Kreek, M.D.
Senior Attending Physician
Patrick E. and Beatrice M. Haggerty Professor
Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases
The Rockefeller University
Research Abstract
Dr. Kreek’s research focuses on the endogenous opioid system, which manages
stress and pain, and the roles that specific opioid peptides and their receptors play in
normal and abnormal circumstances. Heroin and morphine, which mimic endogenous
peptides, as well as cocaine and alcohol activate these opiate receptors, directly or
indirectly. Dr. Kreek and her colleagues examine receptor and peptide function in
animals that are given or are allowed to self-administer a drug of abuse in chronic or
acute doses to study how this exposure impacts the brain’s neurochemistry, molecular
neurobiology and circuitry and how these effects compare to potential treatments. The
lab also studies genetic, epigenetic, physiological and behavioral effects of drug
administration on the endogenous opioid system and related signaling networks. The
scientists use microdialysis in rats and mice to conduct dynamic studies of
neurotransmitter release and peptide processing in the brain.
References
Proudnikov, D., Randesi, M., Levran, O,, Yuferov, V.,
Crystal, H., Ho, A., Ott, J., and Kreek, M.J.: Polymor-phisms
of the kappa opioid receptor and prodynorphin genes: HIV
risk and HIV natural history. J Acquir. Immune Defic.
Syndr.63:17-26, 2013. PMCID: PMC Journal – In Process
Zhou, Y., Leri, F., Grella, S., Aldrich, J., and Kreek, M.J.:
Involvement of dynorphin and kappa opioid receptor in
yohimbine-induced reinstatement of heroin seeking in rats.
Synapse, in press, 2013. PMCID: PMC Journal – In
Process
Levran, O., Peles, E., Randesi, M., Shu, X., Ott, J., PeiHong, S., Adelson, M., and Kreek, M.J.: Association of
genetic variation in pharmacodynamic factors with
methadone dose required for effective treatment of opioid
addiction. Pharmacogenomics, in press. 2013. PMCID:
PMC Journal – In Process
Adelson, M., Wai, H.W., Vong, U.M.C., Linzy, S., Kreek,
M.J., and Peles, E.: Methadone maintenance treatment
retention in Macao: prospective follow-up for 4.5 years. J.
Psychoactive Drugs, in press, 2013.
PMCID: PMC Journal – In Process
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE WEEKLY COLLOQUIA, CONTACT VACCUMANNO@BURKE.ORG
BURKE MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE  785 MAMARONECK AVE  WHITE PLAINS, NY 10605
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THE BURKE MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE IS AN ACADEMIC AFFILIATE OF
THE JOAN AND SANFORD I. WEILL MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CORNELL UNIVERSITY