Project Summary

Jonathan C. Gewirtz, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2004) of University of Minnesota, is using a rat model, will study the effects of early stress related to drug withdrawal on later life anxiety. Drug withdrawal symptoms in infants (particularly from opiates) collectively referred to as “neonatal abstinence syndrome” (NAS) likely constitutes a significant risk factor for mood disorders and anxiety in the adult. Dr. Gewirtz will evaluate hormonal and behavioral responses to stress in adult and juvenile rats that as pups experienced the severe stress associated with NAS stress hormone regulation will be assessed by measuring plasma levels of corticosterone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) two component hormones in the hypothalamic-pituatary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Behavior will be assessed through the acoustic reflex, a measure sensitive to anxiety-like states in both animals and humans. Dr. Gewirtz believes the severe stress associated with NAS will create long-lasting disturbances in the HPA axis function and increased anxiety-like behavior in the adult. Future studies may build on this rat model to determine potential medications which may alleviate vulnerability to mental illness in infants exposed to drugs and drug withdrawal.

Program Area: ANXIETY DISORDERS\Anxiety Disorder

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