Pharmacology Faculty

Paul R. Pentel, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine & Pharmacology

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Publications

Research Interests

Researchers in Dr. Pentel's laboratory are interested in the behavioral pharmacology of nicotine dependence. A current focus is the development of a nicotine vaccine to treat nicotine dependence. Vaccination of rats with a nicotine-protein conjugate vaccine elicits the production of nicotine-specific antibodies which bind nicotine in serum and extracellular fluid and reduce nicotine distribution to brain. Vaccination reduces many of the effects of both acute and chronic nicotine, including behaviors relevant to nicotine dependence. The underlying pharmacokinetic mechanisms and potential clinical use of this vaccine are being evaluated. Other interests include the effects of nicotine on fetal development, and studying factors responsible for individual differences in addiction liability and expression in rats.