Kevin D. Wickman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Pharmacology
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Publications
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Research Interests
Neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs of abuse elicit complex
responses at the cellular level by modulating the function
of a variety of enzymes and ion channels. One goal of my
laboratory is to dissect the relative contributions of individual
enzymes and ion channels to these complex responses. Currently,
we are using techniques in molecular genetics, behavioral
research, electrophysiology, biochemistry, and cellular biology
to understand how one class of potassium-selective ion channel
contributes to a variety of important physiological responses
and behaviors. Previously, we have demonstrated that these
potassium channels, termed G protein-gated potassium (KG)
channels, are required for the regulation of heart rate by
the parasympathetic nervous system. Currently, we are determining
the extent to which KG channels contribute to
learning and memory processes, locomotor activity, pain perception,
opiate-mediated analgesia, and addiction to drugs such as
cocaine and heroin. A better understanding of the role of
KG channels in these processes may perhaps lead
to the development of more selective analgesics or therapeutic
agents for treatment of addiction. |
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