# Biological Bases of Drug-Seeking Behavior

> **NIH NIH T32** · OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $568,084

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
This program for pre- and post-doctoral training supports the training of specialists who are able to conduct
preclinical research at levels ranging from the molecular to the cognitive/clinical on the biological mechanisms
underlying the development, maintenance, and elimination of drug-seeking behavior. Twenty-three members of
the graduate faculty of the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) serve as preceptors for postdoctoral
research fellows and for Ph.D. students matriculating into basic science graduate programs in behavioral
neuroscience, neuroscience, physiology and pharmacology, or biochemistry. Major research areas represent
four levels. Some faculty members work primarily at the cellular/molecular level, using molecular biological, cell
biological, and electron microscopic techniques. Other faculty work principally at the level of physiological,
biochemical and pharmacological systems, using receptor binding, autoradiography, in vivo microdialysis and
voltammetry, and electrophysiological techniques, and some work primarily in behavioral pharmacology and
pharmacogenetics, using behavioral testing, intravenous drug self-administration, quantitative genetics and
genetic mapping, as well as computer modelling techniques. Finally, some faculty work with human subjects,
using cognitive testing and a variety of imaging techniques. Areas of extensive existing faculty collaboration
include: studies of dopaminergic systems, ranging from molecular biology to behavior; extensive studies of
genetic determinants of drug responses, at all levels from molecular to statistical gene mapping; and the study
of learned and unlearned determinants of responses to drugs, particularly their rewarding effects and drug self-
administration. Sensitivity, tolerance, and dependence/withdrawal phenomena for all major classes of drugs of
abuse are under active investigation. Training includes firm curricular grounding in the basic sciences, specific
pharmacological training in abused drugs, and extensive and continuous participation in research. Trainees
also receive extensive instruction in the responsible conduct of research through interactive seminars that
cover ethical considerations in all aspects of science. OHSU and this training program have put considerable
efforts into recruiting and retaining trainees from diverse backgrounds. These efforts have resulted in a
significantly more diverse pool of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows receiving training in the biological
basis of drug-seeking behavior.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10400862
- **Project number:** 5T32DA007262-30
- **Recipient organization:** OREGON HEALTH & SCIENCE UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** John T Williams
- **Activity code:** T32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $568,084
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1991-09-30 → 2024-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10400862

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10400862, Biological Bases of Drug-Seeking Behavior (5T32DA007262-30). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10400862. Licensed CC0.

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