Abuse of prescription opioids had reached epidemic levels and is responsible for increasing emergency department visits and overdose deaths. Most prescription opioid deaths involve at least one other drug, often a benzodiazepine (BZD). Up to 70% of opioid abusers also use BZDs, reportedly to enhance opioid-induced feelings of euphoria. Coabuse of opioids and BZDs increases the risk of physical dependence and overdose, and studies in humans suggest that BZD enhancement of abuse-related effects of opioids occurs in dependent, and not in nondependent, individuals.

Basic Research

Basic Research

Biophysical interactions of PIP2 and calmodulin with KCNQ (Kv7) K ion channels + KCNQ potassium channels control cellular excitability, and inherited mutations in the proximal half of the C- terminus of these membrane proteins can result in cardiac arrhythmia, deafness and epilepsy. The signature 'M-current' produced by KCNQ channels was first observed in sympathetic neurons, and can be inhibited by stimulation of Gq/11 muscarinic receptors.

Basic Research

Intricate molecular interactions between neurons and supporting glia cells are essential for the rapid propagation of action potentials and form the basis for myelinated axons to achieve saltatory conduction. Previously, the cell surface adhesion molecule Neurofascin (Nfasc) has been shown to have a dual-role, essential to the establishment of axonal domains from both the glial and neuronal interface.

Basic Research

Basic Research

Management of pain is a significant problem in the geriatric population. The incidence of pain for those over the age of 65 can reach as high as 80%, with many reporting persistent pain that limits daily activity and interferes with quality of life. Moreover, the elderly are more sensitive to adverse effects of drugs and are often taking multiple medications that increase the likelihood of adverse drug interactions, especially those within the CNS.

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