Inspired by undergraduate research on the analgesic potential of cannabinoids, I became interested in the role of the endocannabinoid system in mediating pain-substance use interactions early on in my graduate career. Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipids that interact with cannabinoid receptors to maintain neuronal homeostasis. The endocannabinoid system produces analgesic effects and modulates pain sensitivity. 

Completed experiments, done in collaboration with Dr. Amanda Pahng (New Orleans VA), utilized the mechanical conflict avoidance task to determine alterations in pain avoidance-like behavior during morphine versus alcohol withdrawal. I then used Western blot analysis to identify regional endocannabinoid system-related protein deficiency as a neurobiological correlate of pain avoidance-like behavior. Ongoing experiments, supported by my NRSA F31 award from the NIAAA, are now focussed on the role of endocannabinoids in the pain relieving effects of alcohol in the context of persistent inflammatory pain.  These experiments will utilize Western blotting, behavioral pharmacology, and mass spectroscopy (in collaboration with Dr. Cecilia Hillard, Medical College of Wisconsin) to determine:  

     1. Alterations in endocannabinoid system-related protein expression as a result of persistent inflammatory pain and acute ethanol administration 
     2. Alterations in regional endocannabinoid levels as a result of persistent inflammatory pain and acute ethanol administration 
     3. Effects of central endocannabinoid signaling on somatic and motivational aspects of pain 
     4. Role of cannabinoid receptor signaling in alcohol-mediated anti-nociception