Assistant Dean for Research
Professor

Graduate Training: University of Chicago
Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania

Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry;
   Neurobiology & Anatomy
WVU School of Medicine
One Medical Center Drive
PO Box 9104
Morgantown, WV 26506-9104
t: 304-293-2433
f: 304-293-7038
e: jodonnell@hsc.wvu.edu

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Research Interests

• Molecular Psychopharmacology
• Molecular mechanisms of action of psychoactive drugs
• Behavioral correlates of drug-receptor interactions in the CNS

Our research focuses on the role of noradrenergic neurons, beta adrenergic receptor–effector systems, and cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase in mediating the actions of antidepressant drugs and in behavioral regulation. This work relies on the use of schedule-controlled behavior in rats to provide quantitative and unambiguous measures of the behavioral actions of drugs. In addition, the interaction of drugs with central neurotransmitter/receptor-effector systems is assessed in several ways. These include the use of radioligand receptor assays, HPLC measurement of neurotransmitters, assessment of neurotransmitter release in vitro and in vivo, and the study of G-proteins, adenylyl cyclases, kinases, and phosphodiesterases. In addition, tissue culture models examining both endogenously expressed proteins and proteins expressed as a result of cDNA transfection are utilized. The integrated use of quantitative behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular approaches will help to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that mediate the actions of drugs used to treat psychiatric illness as well as drugs of abuse.

Involvement of type 4 (PDE4) subtypes in receptor-mediated cyclic AMP signaling. The subtypes (PDE4A, B, and D) and high- and low-affinity binding conformers (HARBS and LARBS) mediate different therapeutic and side effects of PDE4 inhibitors such as rolipram. ( Click to Enlarge )