Project Summary

Ming-Hu Han, Ph.D. (Young Investigator 2007) of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, plans to examine the role in depression played by the mesolimbic dopamine system, a major part of the brain’s reward circuitry. Using an animal model, the research aims to provide information on the physiological state of mesolimbic dopamine neurons after social defeat stress. In preliminary studies, Dr. Han’s group found that defeat stress increased the electrical activity of these neurons. Dr. Han will now characterize the mechanisms underlying neuronal regulation in the mesolimbic dopamine system during depression and provide information for potential targets for new medications.

Program Area: MOOD DISORDERS\Mood Disorders (General)

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