Substance Abuse Research at Temple University: FACULTY ...

Substance Abuse Research at 

Temple University: 

FACULTY PROFILES 

Office of the Senior Vice Provost for 

Research & Graduate Education 

April 28, 2011

Mary Abood, PhD 

Associate Professor 

Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 

School of Medicine 

Center for Substance Abuse Research 

MRB 615A (HSC) 

215‐707‐2638 

mabood@temple.edu 

Research Interests 

My entire research career, from graduate studies to the present has involved the study of receptors and 

systems involved in substance abuse. I studied opioid receptors and the endogenous opioids for many 

years, and since 1991, have been involved in the cloning and characterization of cannabinoid receptors. 

My recent studies have focused on characterizing putative cannabinoid receptors. 

Publications 

Kapur A, Zhao P, Sharir H, Bai Y, Caron MG, Barak LS, Abood ME. Atypical responsiveness of the orphan 

receptor GPR55 to cannabinoid ligands. J Biol Chem. 284:29817‐27, 2009. PMID: 19723626 [Faculty of 

1000 Biology Selection]. 

Zhao PW, Leonoudakis D, Abood ME*, Beattie EC*. Cannabinoid Receptor Activation Reduces TNFα‐ 

Induced Surface Localization of AMPAR‐Type Glutamate Receptors and Excitotoxicity, 

Neuropharmacology, 58(2):551‐8, 2010. *co‐corresponding and senior authors. PMID: 19654014 

Kapur A, Hurst DP, Fleischer D, Whitnell R, Thakur GA, Makriyannis A, Reggio PH, Abood ME. Mutation 

Studies of S7.39 and S2.60 in the human CB1 cannabinoid receptor: Evidence for a serine induced bend 

in CB1 transmembrane helix 7. Mol Pharmacol. 71: 1‐13, 2007. selected for cover. 

Research Funding 

R01 DA023204 PI, Molecular Characterization of GPR35 and GPR55, Putative Cannabinoid Receptors 

R21 DA029432 PI, Pamoic acid analogues as potent GPR35 agonists inducing anti‐nociception 

P50 DA05274 PI, project 2: Cloning and Characterization of Cannabinoid receptors (1991‐2012; 

continuous award)

Key Research Finding 

GPR55 has been proposed to be a candidate as a third cannabinoid receptor;however we have found 

that the CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists SR141716A (Rimonabant) and AM251 are agonists at 

GPR55 and that the synthetic potent cannabinoid agonist CP55,940 acts as a partial agonist/antagonist 

at GPR55. Thus it is tempting to speculate that GPR55 may in a sense represent an “anti‐cannabinoid” 

receptor as its pharmacology is somewhat opposite that of CB1.

Martin W. Adler, PhD 

Professor Emeritus 

Department of Pharmacology 



OMS 302 

215‐707‐3242 

baldeagl@temple.edu 


Opioid pharmacology; cannabinoids; pain and analgesia; thermoregulation; 

neuroimmunopharmacology, drug interactions; chemokines as neurotransmitters; tolerance; 

dependence 


Adler, M.W., Geller, E.B., Chen, X.H., and Rogers, T.J., 2006. Viewing chemokines as a third major system 

of communication in the brain. AAPS Journal 7, E865‐E870. 

Benamar K, Geller EB, Adler MW. First in vivo evidence for a functional interaction between chemokine 

and cannabinoid systems in the brain. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2008; 325: 641‐645. 

Benamar K, Addou S, Yondorf M, Geller EB, Eisenstein TK, and Adler MW. Intrahypothalamic injection of 

the HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein (gp120) induces fever via interaction with the chemokine system. J 

Pharmacol Exp Ther. 332: 549‐53, 2010. 


P.I. – NIDA Grant DA06650‐19 ‐ “Opioids, Cannabinoids, Chemokines: Functional Implications of Cross‐ 

Talk” 

Co‐PI ‐ NIH/NIDA Core Center of Excellence Grant P30 DA13429‐11, “Center on Intersystem Regulation 

by Drugs of Abuse” 

NIDA P30 Center Grant, Co‐PI (Ellen Unterwald P.I.) 

Opioids, Cannabinoids, Chemokines: Functional Implications of Cross‐Talk ‐ P.I. 


Interaction of immune system and opioid and cannabinoid systems is astounding. As an example, certain 

chemokines can totally block the analgesic actions of opioids and cannabinoids. This and other findings 

from our group indicate that chemokines may be a new transmitter system in the brain.

Special Access 

College on Problems of Drug Dependence, oldest scientific organization (1929) devoted to research on 

all aspects of drug abuse and addiction, calls Temple its home base. CPDD has annual meeting that 

attracts well over 1200 researchers. Attendees and presenters, in addition to academics, includes 

industry people and government officials (e.g., Director, Deputy Director, and other officials of NIDA, 

SAMHSA officials). Executive Officer is Martin Adler.

Lauren Alloy, PhD 

Professor 

Department of Psychology 

College of Liberal Arts 

762 Weiss Hall 

215‐204‐7326 

lalloy@temple.edu 


Considerable evidence documents especially high comorbidity between bipolar disorders (BDs) and 

substance use disorders (SUDs). Further, adolescence and the transition to early adulthood is a major 

"age of risk" for the onset and progression of both disorders. I am interested in the idea that the high 

comorbidity between BDs and SUDs occurs because they share common psychobiological 

vulnerability/etiological processes. In particular, I am interested in exciting work that has emerged 

providing consistent support for the Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Hypersensitivity Theory of BDs 

and SUDs, as well as for the role of impulsiveness and reward‐seeking in these two disorders. 


Alloy, L.B., Bender, R.E., Wagner, C.A., Whitehouse, W.G., Abramson, L.Y., Hogan, M.E., Sylvia, L.G., & 

Harmon‐Jones, E. (2009). Bipolar spectrum – substance use co‐occurrence: Behavioral Approach 

System (BAS) sensitivity and impulsiveness as shared personality vulnerabilities. Journal of Personality 

and Social Psychology, 97, 549‐565. 

Goldstein, K.E., Bender, R.E., Nusslock, R., Alloy, L.B., Black, S.K., Peterson, C.K., Harmon‐Jones, E., 

Kleiman, E., Whitehouse, W.G., Conner, B.T., & Abramson, L.Y. Frontal EEG asymmetry as a predictor of 

substance and alcohol use problems in individuals with bipolar spectrum disorders. Manuscript under 

review. 


Please note that the following 2 funded NIMH grants are on mood disorders, but both grants are also 

assessing substance use symptoms and diagnoses, even though the substance use is not the main focus 

of the grants. 

NIMH Grant. BAS and Bipolar Disorder: Prospective Biobehavioral High Risk Design. Funded. 

September 26, 2007 – July 31, 2012. $2,437,500. 

NIMH Grant. Depression Surge in Adolescence & Gender Differences: Biocognitive Mechanisms. 

Funded. June 9, 2008 – March 31, 2013. $3,320,648.


My research suggests that high reward sensitivity and high impulsivity are shared vulnerabilities for both 

bipolar disorders and substance use problems/disorders and help to account for the comorbidity 

between these two disorders. 


I have access to (and am studying) adolescents at risk for the development of mood disorders, who may 

also be at risk for developing substance use problems/disorders. I am assessing my adolescent samples 

on substance use symptoms, problems, and diagnoses, along with many other relevant assessments 

(personality, coping styles, emotion regulation, executive functioning, reward sensitivity, impulsivity, 

stressful life events, parenting, etc.).

Jorune Balciuniene, PhD 

Assistant Professor 

Department of Biology 

College of Science and Technology 

Bio‐Life Sciences Room 435 

215‐204‐3704 

jorune@temple.edu 


We are using zebrafish as a powerful vertebrate system to dissect genetic and cellular basis of nicotine 

addiction. Our research focuses on establishment of behavioral assays to monitor nicotine addiction in 

zebrafish, screening of zebrafish gene trap mutants for abnormal responses to nicotine, and 

development of transgenic tools for fine mapping of neuronal circuitry involved in this behavior.

Steven Belenko, PhD 

Professor 

Department of Criminal Justice 


558‐9 Gladfelter Hall 

215‐204‐2211 

sbelenko@temple.edu 


Impact of substance abuse and integration of treatment in adult and juvenile justice systems, HIV risk 

behaviors and service needs for offenders, implementing evidence‐based treatment in justice systems; 

brief interventions for delinquents at risk for substance abuse; modeling economic benefits of prison 

treatment, drug courts, computerized therapeutic interventions for drug‐involved inmates. 


Belenko, S. & Houser, K. (2011). Gender differences in engagement in prison‐based drug treatment. 

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology. In press. 

Belenko, S., Dugosh, K., Lynch, K., Mericle, A.A., Pich, M., & Forman, R. (2009). Online illegal drug use 

information: An exploratory analysis of drug‐related website viewing by adolescents. Journal of Health 

Communication, 14, 612‐630. 

Belenko, S. (2006). Assessing released inmates for substance‐abuse related service needs. Crime and 

Delinquency, 52, 94‐113. 


Pennsylvania Research Center at Temple University. Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 

U01‐DA025284‐01, April 2009 – March 2014. 

Computerized Psychosocial Treatment for Offenders with Substance Abuse Problems. Funded by the 

National Institute on Drug Abuse, September 2009 – August 2012. 

STI/HIV Risk, Services, and Drug Use for Young Arrestees. Funded by the National Institute on Drug 

Abuse, September 2005 – July 2009. 


Juvenile delinquents are at extremely high risk for intersecting problems of drug use and sexually 

transmitted diseases. Screening, prevention, and treatment services are grossly inadequate relative to 

this risk.


Inmates in PA Department of Corrections and Philadelphia jail system 

Drug court clients in Philadelphia. 

Arrested juvenile delinquents in Tampa, FL

Jason Chein, PhD 





215‐204‐7314 

jchein@temple.edu 


FMRI of decision‐making and reward/incentive processing in the context of risk‐taking. Current work 

explores the influences of alcohol intoxication, in combination with environmental factors, on decision‐ 

making and reward processing. 


Chein, J., Albert, D., O’Brien, L., Uckert, U., & Steinberg, L. (2011). Peers influence adolescent risk‐taking 

by heightening sensitivity to reward. Developmental Science, 14(2), F1‐F10. 

O’Brien, L., Albert, D., Chein, J.M., & Steinberg, L. (in press). Adolescents prefer more immediate 

rewards when in the presence of their peers. Journal of Research on Adolescence. 


NIH R01 AA020006‐01 (2/10/2011 – 1/31/2016) 

Combined Effects of Alcohol and Peer Context on Behavior and Neural Correlates of Youth Risk Taking 

Role: Principal Investigator 

NIH R21 DA022546‐01 (9/30/2006 ‐ 8/31/2011) 

Peer Effects on Neural and Behavioral Markers of Risk‐Taking in Adolescence 

Role: Co‐Investigator 

FMRI, adolescent. 

Special Access

Parkson Chong, PhD 

Professor 

Department of Biochemistry 



Room 600, Old Medical School Building 

215‐707‐4182 

pchong02@temple.edu 


‐‐Drug‐membrane interactions in liposomes and cell membranes 

‐‐Receptor‐lipid interactions in cell membranes 

‐‐Roles of membrane lateral organization and membrane packing in substance abuse 


Huang, P., Xu, W., Yoon, S.‐I., Chen, C., Chong, P.L.‐G., Unterwald, E.M., and Liu‐Chen, L.‐Y. (2007) 

Agonist Treatment Did Not Affect Association of Mu Opioid Receptors with Lipid Rafts and Cholesterol 

Reduction Had Opposite Effects on the Receptor‐Mediated Signaling in Rat Brain and CHO Cells. Brain 

Res., 1184, 46‐56. 

Huang, P., Xu, W., Yoon, S.‐I., Chen, C., Chong, P. L.‐G. and Liu‐Chen, L.‐Y. (2007) Cholesterol Reduction 

by Methyl‐ ‐Cyclodextrin Attenuates the Delta Opioid Receptor–Mediated Signaling in Neuronal Cells 

But Enhances It in Non‐Neuronal Cells. Biochemical Pharmacology, 73, 534‐549. 

Xu, W., Yoon, S.‐I., Huang, P., Wang, Y., Chen, C., Chong, P. L.‐G. and Liu‐Chen, L.‐Y. (2006) Localization of 

the Kappa Opioid Receptor in Lipid Rafts. J. Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 317, 1295‐ 

1306. 


Cholesterol content in membranes (thus membrane cholesteol lateral organization) can significantly 

alter the properties or behaviors of opioid receptors in cell membranes. 


Access to instrument that measures fluorescence spectrum, polarization, lifetime, and other properties 

under temperature and pressure controls

Brad N. Collins, PhD 


Department of Public Health 

College of Health Professions and Social Work 

Weiss Hall 

215‐204‐2849 

collinsb@temple.edu 


My interests include reducing substance dependence‐related health disparities in underserved and dual‐ 

diagnosis populations. This includes family‐, PC clinic‐, community‐ and multi‐level intervention 

research; and health literacy programs in elementary schools. I am also interested in phys activity (PA) ‐ 

behavior counseling interactions. My lab examines bio‐behavioral and psychosocial mechanisms of 

relapse (e.g., cue extinction). 


Collins, B.N., Nair, U.S., & Komaroff, E. (2011). Smoking cue reactivity across massed extinction trials: 

Negative affect and gender effects. Addictive Behaviors. 36(4):308‐14. 

Collins, BN, Nair, US, Hovell, MF, Wileyto, EP, Jaffe, K, & Audrain‐McGovern, J (in submission). 

Behavioral counseling with maternal smokers in underserved communities is effective in reducing young 

children’s SHS exposure. 

Collins, BN & Brandon, TH. (2002). Effects of Extinction Context and Retrieval Cues on Alcohol Cue 

Reactivity Among Nonalcoholic Drinkers. J Cons Clin, 70: 390‐397. 

Research Finding 

Pediatrician Advice, Family Counseling & SHS Reduction for Underserved Children. (NIH R01, Pending). 

Multi‐level smoking intervention for parents. 

Homelessness and Smoking Cessation: The Impact of Social Capital. 

(PA DOH). A physical activity and counseling intervention. 

Postpartum Smoking Relapse Prevention in Obstetric Clinics. (MoDimes). 


In my recently completed trial with low‐income maternal smokers, pediatrician advice plus 

individualized behavioral counseling emphasizing the reduction of children's exposure to secondhand 

smoke resulted in a four fold increase in quit rates compared to pediatrician advice plus self‐help 

materials. Participants did not use NRT, and cessation was not the focus. 

Lab study: gender and negative affect influence smoking cue extinction.


Intervention studies: I have strong partnerships with community agencies such as NORTH, Inc 

(managers of Philadelphia WIC program), and with pediatrics clinics affiliated with CHOP and Temple 

University. I also am affiliated with the City‐sponsored Get Healthy Philly and Smoke‐free Philly and 

work with the Back on My Feet program for the homeless. 

I have a behavioral laboratory that has an observation room and separate running rooms with biopac. 

Rooms are ventilated to allow for live smoking research.

Armine Darbinyan, MD 


Department of Neuroscience 

Center for Neurovirology 


Health Sciences 1316 W. Ontario Street 

215‐707‐4735 

adarbiny@temple.edu 

Alcohol and Opiates 

Research Interests

Nune Darbinian, PhD 


Depatrment of Neuroscience 

Center for Neurology 


MERB, Temple University School of Medicine 

215‐707‐4998 

nsarkiss@temple.edu 


Neuroprotective role of p38SJ in ethanol‐induced CNS injury 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), which is caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during 

pregnancy, is considered the leading cause of nonhereditary preventable mental retardation with 

prevalence in the general population of the USA estimated to be 0.5 – 2 per 1000 birth. Massive 

apoptosis of neurons resulting from exposure of the developing brain to alcohol is considered as the 

main cause of long‐lasting structural abnormalities of CNS injury: reduced brain size, errors in migration 

of neuronal cells and CNS disorganization. Although earlier studies demonstrated the activation of 

apoptotic signaling in ethanol induced neuronal injury, the function of cellular systems aimed to prevent 

neuronal injury and preserve integrity of neuronal cells exposed to alcohol remains largely unknown. 

Recently we identified the neuroprotective role of p38SJ/DING, a novel plant‐derived protein, in 

ethanol‐induced neuronal injury in fetal rat neurons, and some of signaling pathways activated by p38SJ 

that inhibit apoptosis and increase survival of fetal rat neurons exposed to alcohol. We demonstrated 

that p38SJ, by regulating the phosphorylation of MAP kinases and expression of chemokines in fetal 

neuronal cells, can prevent alcohol‐induced neuronal damage. This statement has been formulated on 

the basis of our preliminary data demonstrating that p38SJ phosphatase effects phosphorylation and 

activation of MAPKs and regulates production of CCL2/MCP‐1 chemokine. Elucidating the mechanisms 

of neuroprotection mediated by p38SJ in neurons exposed to ethanol will contribute to better 

understanding of neuropathogenesis of the FAS and role of neuroprotective signaling and will expand 

our understanding of how p38SJ protects neurons from ethanol induced toxicity in FAS. Such knowledge 

will provide basis for development of therapeutic strategy not only for the prevention of neuronal injury 

in FAS, but also for reduction of neuronal damage associated with alcohol toxicity later in the life. 


Amini, S., Merabova, N., Khalili, K., Darbinian, N. (2009). p38SJ, a novel DINGG protein protects neuronal 

cells from alcohol induced injury and death. Journal of Cell. Phys., 221(3):499‐504. 

NIH RO1, pending 

Research Funding


Neuroprotective role of p38SJ/DING protein in ethanol‐induced CNS injury 


To study Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), it will be necessary to have an access initially to animal facilities, 

Pathology Department, and later on, to young population/children diagnosed with FAS, with or without 

HIV‐1 infection; 

I am planning possible collaborations with Shriners Hospitals for Children to continue my research on 

FAS, alcohol abuse, and ethanol‐caused neuronal cell injury.

Prasun Datta, PhD 


Department of Neuroscience 

Center for Neurology 


MERB, 747 

215‐707‐4938 

dattapk@temple.edu 


Substances of abuse, such as opiates and cocaine, and astroglial‐derived proinflammatory cytokines, 

such as interleukin 1β and TNF‐a, likely contribute to the neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative 

processes observed in NeuroAIDS in injection drug users. Furthermore, uncontrolled synthesis and 

activation of complement component C3 in the brain can also lead to inflammation and 

neurodegeneration. Our research interest is in deciphering the mechanism of regulation of C3, C5 and 

the cognate receptors C3aR and C5aR by proinflammatory cytokines and drugs of absue. 

Recently, in colloboration with Dr. Ellen Unterwald we are elucidating the molecular mechanisms of 

cocaine mediated signaling and inflammasome activation specifically for IL‐1β production in brains of 

rats and mice. 


Maranto J, Rappaport J, Datta PK. Regulation of complement component C3 in astrocytes by IL‐1beta 

and morphine. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2008 Mar;3(1):43‐51. Epub 2007 Nov 14. PubMed PMID: 

18247123. 


5K01DA022147‐03 "Role of opioids and complement in AIDS pathogenesis" 


Our findings demonstrate that opiates modulate expression of IL‐1β mediated complement component 

C3 gene.

Adam Davey, PhD 




Ritter Annex 909 

215‐204‐7881 

adavey@tempe.edu 


Have not worked directly in Substance Abuse area, but work in related areas of problem gambling and 

geriatric polypharmacy. 


Davey, M., Davey, A., Tubbs, C., Savla, J. S., & Anderson, S. R. (in press). Second order change and 

evidence‐based practice. Journal of Family Therapy. 

Davey, A., & Savla, J. (2010). Statistical power analysis with missing data: A structural equation modeling 

approach. Philadelphia: Routledge. 

Wiebe, J., Maitland, S. B., Hodgins, D., Davey, A., & Gottlieb, B. (2009). Transitions and stability of 

problem gambling behaviours. Final Report to the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. 

http://hdl.handle.net/1880/48239 


Maitland, S. B., et al. (Co‐Investigator). (2008‐2011). Developmental Transitions and the Impact of 

Gambling in Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood. Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre. 

($350,000 CDN). 

Wiebe, J., Maitland, S. B., Hodgins, D., Davey, A., & Gottlieb, B. (Co‐Investigator) (2006‐2009). 

Transitions and stability of problem gambling behaviors: Directions for target prevention and 

intervention strategies. Addictions Foundation of Manitoba ($375,000).

Toby K. Eisenstein, PhD 

Professor 

Department of Microbiology and Immunology 



516 Old Medical School Bldg. HSCampus 

215‐707‐3585 

tke@temple.edu 


Effects of opioids, cannabinoids, and alcohol on a variety of immune responses and resistance to 

infection. Experiments are carried out using normal human or rodent cells and adding drugs in vitro. 

Alternatively, in rodents and simians, drugs are administered in vivo and cells taken from treated 

animals and tested for immune status. Treated animals can also be tested for susceptibility to infectious 

agents. 


Feng, P., Meissler, Jr., J.J., Adler, M.W., and Eisenstein, T.K.: Morphine withdrawal sensitizes mice to 

lipopolysaccharide: Elevated TNF‐α and nitric oxide with decreased IL‐12. J. Neuroimmunol., 164:57‐ 

65.2005. 

Eisenstein,T.K. J.J. Meissler, Q.Wilson, J.P.Gaughan, M.W. Adler. Anandamide and delta‐9‐ 

tetrahydrocannabinol directly inhibit cells of the immune system via CB2 receptors. J. Neuroimmunol. 

189:17‐22. 2007. PMC2083705 

Breslow, J.M., P. Feng, J.J. Meissler, J.E. Pintar, J. Gaughan, M.W. Adler, T.K. Eisenstein. Potentiating 

Effect of Morphine on Oral Salmonella enterica, serovar Typhimurium Infection is mu‐Opioid Receptor 

Dependent. Microbial Pathogenesis. 49:330‐335. 2010. 


W81XWH‐06‐1‐0147 Dept. of Defense (DOD) (Eisenstein PI) 

Effect of Morphine and Trauma on Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in a Murine Model 

This project explored the effect of morphine on this infection, alone, and in combination with an 

experimental model of trauma. Levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines were measured using the CBA 

assay, ELISAarray and ELISA assays. 

P01 NIDA DA023860 (Rogers P01 PI; Eisenstein PI of Project 4) 

Drugs of Abuse Affecting AIDS Pathogenesis 

Project 4: Effect of Morphine and SIV on Functional Immune Responses 

This project examines the effect of morphine on immune status and on progression of SIV in macaques. 

Dr. Eisenstein is carrying out assays for Natural Killer cell activity and response to mitogens. 

Supernatants of mitogen assays are being used to analyze for cytokine levels by multiplex and ELISA 

assays.

Research Funding (continued) 

Temple University Tobacco Settlement Funds (Eisenstein,T.K., PI and J. Daller Co‐I). 1/1/2011‐ 

Immunomodulatory Cannabinoids as Potential Therapeutics for Transplant Graft Rejection 

This grant supports studies to investigate the utility of CB2 agonists, alone or in combination with 

standard anti‐rejection therapy, in retarding skin and heart graft transplant rejection in mice. 

Complementary studies of drug combinations will be carried out in vitro using the Mixed Lymphocyte 

Reaction. 


Opioids and cannabinioids, as well as withdrawal from opioids, result in immunosuppression, as 

measured by a variety of parameters of immune status. In addition, opioids sensitize to experimental 

bacterial infections and possibly to HIV/SIV. 


I direct the Cell and Immunology Core of the National Institute on Drug Abuse Center for Excellence 

awarded to Temple University. We carry out a variety of tests of immune status including assessing 

levels of cytokines and chemokines, response to mitogens, Natural Killer Cell activity, and ability to 

mount an in vitro antibody response

Karin Eyrich Garg, PhD, MPE, MSW 


School of Social Work 



Ritter Annex, 507 

215‐204‐1217 

kgarg@temple.edu 


Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Substance Use/Abuse/Dependence Problems with 

Homeless and Other Low‐Income/Vulnerable Populations 


North, C.S., Eyrich‐Garg, K.M., Pollio, D.E., & Thirthalli, J. (2010). A prospective study of substance use 

and housing stability in a homeless population. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 45(11), 

1055‐1062. 

Eyrich‐Garg, K.M., O’Leary, C.C., & Cottler, L.B. (2008). Subjective versus objective definitions of 

homelessness: Are there differences in risk factors among heavy‐drinking women? Gender Issues, 

25(3), 173‐192. 

Eyrich‐Garg, K.M., Cacciola, J.S., Carise, D., McLellan, A.T., & Lynch, K. (2008). Individual characteristics 

of the literally homeless, marginally housed, and impoverished in a U.S. substance abuse treatment‐ 

seeking sample. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 43(10), 765‐772. 


Almost half of homeless individuals who sleep on the streets of Philadelphia use mobile phones and 

computers (the Internet). This has significant implications for prevention, intervention, and data 

collection efforts with this population.

Thomas Gould, PhD 

Professor 



823 Weiss Hall Main Campus 

215‐204‐7495 

tgould@temple.edu 


My research focuses on the behavioral and neurobiological effects of nicotine on learning. It is our 

hypothesis that initial nicotine use enhances learning and cognition, which contributes to the formation 

of maladaptive drug‐context and drug‐cue associations that support development of addiction, and that 

withdrawal from nicotine disrupts learning and cognition, which contributes to relapse. 


Kenney, J.W., Florian, C., Portugal, G.S., Abel, T., and Gould, T.J. (2010) Involvement of Hippocampal Jun‐ 

N terminal Kinase Pathway in the Enhancement of Learning and Memory by Nicotine 

Neuropsychopharmacology, 35:483‐92. 

Gould, T.J. (2011) Addiction and Cognition. Addiction Science and Clinical Practice, 5: 4‐15. 

Davis, J.A. and Gould, T.J. (2009) Hippocampal nAChRs mediate nicotine withdrawal‐related learning 

deficits. European Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 19:551‐61. 


Genetic, Behavioral, & Neurobiological Substrates of Nicotine Withdrawal 

Role: Principal Investigator ; Agency: NIH 

Nicotine Addiction: Learning, Neural, & Genetic Processes 

Role: Principal Investigator; Agency: NIDA/NIH 

NIDA Research “Center of Excellence” Grant Program (P50) 

Role: Project Co‐PI; Agency: NIH 


We have shown that both acute nicotine and withdrawal from chronic nicotine alter hippocampal 

function and these changes result in changes to learning. We have begun to identify the underlying 

cellular and molecular substrates of these changes.

Donald Hantula, PhD 





215‐204‐5950 

hantula@temple.edu 


Intersection of substance abuse, behavioral economics and organizational psychology. Behavioral 

economic analyses of decisions made by substance abusers, especially consumer choices and 

foraging for drugs. Applications of well established organizational psychology and technological 

interventions to improve delivery of substance abuse treatment. 


The Effect of Feedback on Professional Communication with Women in Drug Treatment. under review 

Consumer choices among women in drug treatment: A behavioral economic analysis. Journal of Applied 

Social Psychology, in press. 

A Feasibility Study of a Web Based Performance Improvement System for Substance Abuse Treatment 

Providers. Journal of Substance Abuse & Treatment, 2007, 33, 363‐371. 

The patient feedback system 



Substance abuse is an economic issue; choices made by abusers are fairly rational and informed 

by economic principles. Substance abuse treatment services can be greatly improved with 

empirically supported interventions established in the organizational psychology literature.

Richard Heimberg, PhD 

Professor 



Weiss Hall 420 

215‐204‐7489 

heimberg@temple.edu 


Relationship of anxiety to substance use disorders (especially alcohol and marijuana) 


Schneier, F., Foose, T., Hasin, D.S., Heimberg, R.G., Liu, S.‐M., Grant, B., & Blanco, C. (2010). Social 

anxiety disorder and alcohol use disorder: Comorbidity in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol 

and Related Conditions. Psychological Medicine, 40, 977‐988. doi:10.1017/S0033291709991231 

Buckner, J.D., & Heimberg, R.G. (2010). Drinking behaviors in social situations account for alcohol‐ 

related problems among socially anxious individuals. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 24, 640‐648. 

doi: 10.1037/a0020968 

Buckner, J.D., Heimberg, R.G., & Schmidt, N.B. (2011). Social anxiety and marijuana‐related problems: 

The role of social avoidance. Addictive Behaviors, 36, 129‐132. doi: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2010.08.015. 

Buckner, J.D., Ledley, D.R., Heimberg, R.G., & Schmidt, N.B. (2008). Treating comorbid social anxiety 

and alcohol use disorders: Combining motivation enhancement therapy with cognitive‐behavioral 

therapy. Clinical Case Studies, 7, 208‐223. doi:10.1177/1534650107306877 


Drinking and drug‐use related problems, rather than drinking frequency, seem most related to anxiety. 

Avoidance of social situations among people with social anxiety appears to be mediated by the 

unavailability of substances at social events. 


Adult Axiety Clinic of Temple serves a clinical population of anxious persons, many of whom have 

substance use disorders.

Matthew Hiller, PhD 




5th Floor Gladfelter Hall 

215‐204‐9030 

mhiller@temple.edu 


My research focuses on interventions for drug‐involved offenders, including therapeutic communities, 

drug courts, and community‐based treatment programs. Of particular interest is understanding the 

treatment processes as well as individual differences (i.e., motivation, mental illness) that predict 

variations in response to treatment associated with treatment outcomes. Recently, my research has also 

expanded to working with organization‐level interventions for promoting the adoption of evidence‐ 

based practices by criminal justice organizations. 


Hiller, M. L., Knight, K., & Simpson, D. D. (1999). Prison‐based substance abuse treatment, residential 

aftercare, and recidivism. Addiction, 94(6), 833‐842. 

Hiller, M. L., Knight, K., Leukefeld, C. G., & Simpson, D. D. (2002). Motivation as a predictor of 

therapeutic engagement in mandated residential substance abuse treatment. Criminal Justice and 

Behavior, 29(1), 56‐75. 

Hiller, M. L., Belenko, S., Taxman, F, Young, D., Perdoni, M., & Saum, C. (2010). Measuring drug court 

structure and operations: Key components and beyond, Criminal Justice and Behavior, 37(9), 933‐950. 


Principal Investigator: 

Expanding the Treatment Capacity of the Waukesha Alcohol Treatment Court, funded by the Center for 

Substance Abuse Treament/Bureau of Justice Assistance. (2010‐2013) 

Co‐Principal Investigator: 

The Pennsylvania Research Center, funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (Steven Belenko, 

Principal Investigator, Wayne Welsh, Co‐Principal Investigator)(2009‐2013) 

Examining the Philadelphia Juvenile Treatment Court, funded by the Temple University College of Liberal 

Arts Research Incentive Fund (2006‐2007)


In a recently completed study, findings from a strong quasi‐experimental impact study of a DUI Court 

showed that it was effective for reducing recidivism for individuals with multiple convictions for driving 

under the influence of alcohol. 

A DUI Court program in Waukesha, Wisconsin. 


Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Study network of researchers.

Wen‐Zhe Ho, MD 

Professor 

Department of Pathology and Immunology 



Health Sciences 1316 W. Ontario Street 

215‐707‐8858 

wenzheho@temple.edu 


Opioids/Alcohol/Methamphetamine, Innate immunity and HIV/Hepatitis C 


1. 21224041 Wang, X., Li, Y., Zhou, Y., Liu, M., Zhou, D., and Ho, W‐Z.: Inhibition of Anti‐HIV microRNA 

Expression: A Mechanism for Opioid‐mediated Enhancement of HIV Infection of Monocytes. Am J Path. 

178:42‐47, 2011. 

2. 20231901 Ye, L., Wang, X., Metzger, D., Riedel, E., Montaner, L., and Ho, W‐Z.: Upregulation of SOCS‐ 

3 and PIAS‐3 Impairs IL‐12‐mediated Interferon‐gamma Response in CD56+ T Cells in HCV‐infected 

Heroin Users. PLoS One 5(3):e9602, 2010. 

3. 20646875 Ye, L., Wang, S‐H., Wang, X., Li, J‐L., Persidsky, Y., and Ho, W‐Z.: Alcohol impairs IFN 

signaling and enhances full cycle HCV replication in human hepatocytes. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 

112:107‐116, 2010. 

1. Drug abuse, Substance P and HIV(DA012815) 


2. Opioid, HIV/HCV and Host Cell Innate Immunity (DA022177) 

3. Opioid, LPS, and HIV (DA027550). 


I am currently working with the investigators at University of Pennsylvania (Dr. David Metzger), Wuhan 

CDC (Dr. Dunjin Zhou), and Wuhan University (Dr. Xien Gui), as these investigators have unique 

resources of drug abusing population with HIV and/or HCV infection. In addition, I am collaborating with 

people of ABSL‐III lab at Wuhan University where TB and/or SIV‐ infection non‐human primates are 

available.

Marc Ilies, PhD 


Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences 

School of Pharmacy 

AHPharmacy 517A 

215‐707‐1749 

mailies@temple.edu 


I am interested to develop receptor agonists/antagonists, enzyme inhibitors/activators, etc towards 

various targets involved in different substance abuse using a traditional medicinal chemistry approach. 


Member of Moulder Center for Drug Discovery Research

Liselotte Jensen, PhD 


Department of Microbiology and Immunology 


1158 MERB 

215‐707‐8144 

liselott@temple.edu 


We study innate immune signaling mechanisms in epithelial cells with the future long term goal of 

developing novel therapies. We are currently interested in initiating studies of the role(s) a group of 

ubiquitin ligases, Pellino proteins, may play in alcohol induced liver damage. The Pellino proteins may 

represent novel therapeutic targets. In the future we may be interested in addressing whether 

interleukin‐1 (pro‐inflammatory cytokine) family members expressed in the brain affect substance abuse 

outcomes. 


We have a number of knockout mice strains, including strains lacking Pellino proteins or interleukin‐1 

family members. We have extensive expertise in expression analyses and genotyping mouse and human 

material

Lynn Kirby, PhD 


Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology 



MRB 620 

215‐707‐8556 

lkirby@temple.edu 


My laboratory investigates stress‐serotonin (5‐HT) interactions and their role in anxiety, depression and 

substance abuse. Currently, we are combining electrophysiology with a behavioral model of drug reward 

to examine the role of 5‐HT circuits in opioid addiction and stress‐induced relapse. Another project 

employs anatomical and electrophysiological methods to examine chemokine effects in the brain via 

interactions with traditional neurotransmitter (5‐HT, dopamine) and neuropeptide (opioid, cannabinoid) 

systems. 


Staub, D, Lunden, J, Freeman‐Daniels, E, Cathel, A and Kirby LG. Opiate history and swim stress exposure 

interact to sensitize 5‐HT dorsal raphe neurons to GABAergic inhibition in a model of stress‐induced 

relapse, submitted. 

Kirby, LG, Zeeb, F and Winstanley, C (2011) Contributions of serotonin in addiction vulnerability. 

Neuropharmacol., in press. 

Heinisch, S, Palma, J, Kirby, LG (2011) Interactions between chemokine and mu‐opioid receptors: 

Anatomical findings and electrophysiological studies in the rat periaqueductal grey. Brain, Behav. 

Immun., 25:360‐372. 


R01 DA 20126 Regulation of Serotonin Circuits in Opiate Addiction and Relapse (L.G. Kirby, PI) 

R01 DA 06650 Opioids, Cannabinoids, Chemokines: Functional Implications of Cross‐Talk (M.W. Adler, PI; 

L.G. Kirby, Co‐I) 

P30 DA 13429 Center on Intersystem Regulation of Drugs of Abuse, Animal Core (Ellen Unterwald, PI; 

L.G. Kirby, Co‐I)


Opioids and stress interact to sensitize serotonin neurons to GABAergic inhibition. This neuronal 

adaptation may sensitize subjects with an opioid history to the dysphoric effects of stressors and 

ultimately confer an enhanced vulnerability to stress‐induced. 

Opioid relapse.

Ken Korzekwa, PhD 



School of Pharmacy PAH 431 

215‐707‐7892 

korzekwa@temple.edu 


Lead optimization and pharmacokinetics of new drug candidates. 


Developed predictive models for distribution and metabolism. 


Pharmacokinetic analyses in rodents and in vitro‐in vivo correlations are available

Lee‐Yuan Liu‐Chen, PhD 

Professor 



C enter for Substance Abuse Research 

OMS328C 

2157074188 

lliuche@temple.edu 

1. molecular characterization of opioid receptors 


2. cellular pharmacology, regulation and trafficking of kappa opioid receptors 

3. in vitro and in vivo investigation of l‐isocorypalmine and its analogues for treatment of drug abuse 

disorders 

4. in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel compounds for kappa opioid receptor antagonist activity for 

potential use in mood disorders 


Chen C, Wang Y, Huang P, and Liu‐Chen LY (2011) Effects of C‐terminal modifications of GEC1 and 

GABARAP, two microtubules‐associated proteins, on kappa opioid receptor expression. J.Biol.Chem. 

EPub 03/09/2011 

Mague SD, Isiegas C, Huang P, Liu‐Chen LY, Lerman C, and Blendy JA (2009) Mouse model of OPRM1 

(A118G) polymorphism has sex‐specific effects on drug‐mediated behavior. Proc.Natl.Acad.Sci.U.S.A 

106:10847‐10852. PM:19528658 

Wang Y, Chen Y, Xu W, Lee DY, Ma Z, Rawls SM, Cowan A, and Liu‐Chen LY (2008) 2‐Methoxymethyl‐ 

salvinorin B is a potent kappa opioid receptor agonist with longer lasting action in vivo than salvinorin A. 

J.Pharmacol.Exp.Ther. 324:1073‐1083. PM:18089845 


R01 DA17302 PI: Liu‐Chen, L.‐Y. 05/01/04‐04/30/14 

NIH/NIDA Cellular Pharmacology of kappa opioid receptors 

R21DA027066‐01 PI: Lerman, C. 09/30/09‐08/31/11 

NIH/NIDA Functional characterization of OPRM1 A118G in nicotine dependence 

Role: PI of a consortium 

McLean Hospital, PI: Liu‐Chen, L.‐Y. 07/01/09‐04/30/12 

Development of Kappa Ligands for Treatment of Mental Illness


l‐Isocorypalmine, a novel partial agonist of D1‐like receptors and an antagonist of D2‐like receptors, 

reduces cocaine‐induced behaviors in animal models and may be useful for treatment of cocaine 

addiction. 


I am the PI of Biochemical Pharmacology Core of the P30 center grant titled "Center on intersystem 

regulation by drugs of abuse" (DA13429 PI: E.M. Unterwald, Ph.D.). The specific aims are as follows. 

• Receptor binding: opioid receptors, dopamine receptors and nicotinic receptors. We will 

develop assays for others when necessary. 

• Receptor autoradiography: opioid receptors. We will develop others when necessary. 

• Assessment of receptor activation by determination of cAMP level, [35S]GTPrS binding, and 

p44/42 MAP kinase phosphorylation 

• Protein gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting 

• Assessment of suitability of receptor antibodies for immunoblotting: opioid receptors initially. 

We will do others when needs arise.

Michael McCloskey, PhD 




Weiss Hall ‐ 336C 

215‐204‐3738 

mikemccloskey@temple.edu 

Substance abuse and self‐other directed aggression 



McCloskey, M., & Berman, M. (2003). Alcohol intoxication and self‐aggressive behavior. Journal of 

Abnormal Psychology, 112, 306‐311. PMID:12784841 

McCloskey, M Berman, M, Echevarria , D., & Coccaro, E. (2009) Individual and combined effects of acute 

alcohol and paroxetine administration on aggressive behavior. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental 

Research, 33 (1), 1‐10. 

Conner, K., McCloskey, M., & Duberstein, P.R. (2008). Psychiatric risk factors for suicide in the alcohol 

dependent patient. Psychiatric Annals, 38, 742‐ 748. 


Agency: NIAAA/NIH; PI: Chein (McCloskey Co‐I); Type of Grant: RO1; 

Title: Combined Effects of Alcohol and Peer Context on Behavior and Neural Correlates of Youth Risk 

Taking Current 

Agency: NIAAA/NIH; Type of Grant: RO3; 

Title: Effects of Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Physical Aggression in Aggressive and Non‐Aggressive 

Women Completed 2008 

PI: Berman (McCloskey Consultant); Type of Grant: R21 

Title: Dose Effects of Acute Alcohol Intoxication on Self‐Aggression 

Funding: ~$275,000 direct costs over three years. 


Acute alcohol intoxication increases self‐aggressive behavior in men.


I have an alcohol lab in which we administer alcohol to subjects. I also have access to behavioral 

measures of self and other directed aggression

Jeremy Mennis, PhD 


Department of Geography and Urban Studies 


328 Gladfelter hall 

215‐204‐4748 

jmennis@temple.edu 


I am interested in contextual effects of social networks and environment on substance use and 

substance use treatment outcomes, as well as drug offenses, especially among adolescents. 


Mennis, J. and Mason, M.J., 20111. People, places, and adolescent substance use: Integrating activity 

space and social network data for analyzing health behavior. Annals of the Association of American 

Geographers, 101(2): 272‐291. 

Mennis, J. and Mason, M.J., in press. Social and geographic contexts of adolescent substance use: the 

moderating effects of age and gender. Social Networks. doi:10.1016/j.socnet.2010.10.003 

Stahler, G., Mennis, J., Cotlar, R, and Baron, D., 2009. The influence of the neighborhood environment 

on treatment continuity and rehospitalization for dually diagnosed patients discharged from acute 

inpatient care. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 166(11): 1258‐1268. 


The Social Ecology of Adolescent Substance Use (with M.J. Mason, P.I. and D. Coatsworth), NIDA, 3 

years. 


Place and peers influence substance use, and those influences are moderated by individual‐level 

characteristics. 

GIS and spatial data 

Special Access

Mary Morrison, MD, MS 

Professor and Vice Chair for Research 

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science 


215‐707‐8688 

Mary. Morrison@tuhs.temple.edu 


Substance abuse during pregnancy and the postpartum period, drug development for cocaine abuse, 

gender differences in substance abuse disorders 


Keller M, Montgomery S, Ball W, Morrison M, Snavely D, Liu G, Hargreaves R, Hietala J, Lines C, Beebe K, 

Reines S, Lack of efficacy of the substance p (neurokinin1 receptor) antagonist aprepitant in the 

treatment of major depressive disorder. Bio Psychiatry 59:3(216‐23)2006 Feb 1 


The Psychiatry Department based at Temple Episcopal has the busiest psychiatric crisis center in the city 

of Philadelphia. We also have >100 inpatient psychiatric beds. Our patients have a high prevalence of 

substance disorders including PCP abuse, which is unusual outside the inner cities of the mid Atlantic 

region. The Psychiatry faculty is eager to collaborate with other Temple faculty. I am the Vice Chair for 

Research in the Department of Psychiatry

Freda Patterson, PhD 





930 Ritter Annex 

215‐204‐0314 

fredap@temple.edu 


Patterson, F., Wilyeto, E.P., Segal, J., Kurz, J., Glanz, K., Hanlon, A. (2010). Intention to quit smoking: role 

of personal and family member cancer diagnosis. Health Education Research, 25(5):792‐802. 

Schnoll RA, Patterson F, Wileyto EP, Heitjan DF, Shields AE, Asch DA, Lerman C. (2010). Effectiveness of 

extended‐duration transdermal nicotine therapy: a randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 

152(3). 

Patterson, F., Jepson, C., Strasser, A. A., Loughead, J., Perkins, K. A., Gur, R. C., et al. (2009). Varenicline 

improves mood and cognition during smoking abstinence. Biological Psychiatry, 65(2), 144‐149.

Yuri Persidsky, MD, PhD 

Professor 

Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 



Temple University School of Medicine MERB 1060 

215‐707‐0118 

yuri.persidsky@tuhs.temple.edu 


Methamphetamine (METH), an addictive stimulant has long lasting toxic effects on the central nervous 

system (CNS). Clinical studies indicated that METH dependence has an additive effect on 

neuropsychological deficits associated with HIV‐1 infection. Oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, BBB 

impairment and glial cell activation, all have been independently implicated in the mechanisms of 

METH‐ and HIV‐1‐associated neurotoxicity. This proposal will investigate specific mechanisms operative 

in HIV‐1 CNS infection and METH abuse that lead to an overall increase in oxidative stress and NF‐κB 

signaling resulting in impairment of astrocytes and endothelial cell function. We propose that METH‐ 

mediated oxidative stress in astrocytes leads to a down regulation exitotoxic amino acid transporter 

(EAAT) ‐ 2, the primary astrocyte glutamate scavenger, while in endothelial cells such an increase in 

oxidative stress results in loss of BBB integrity. Our preliminary data suggest that METH exposure caused 

generation of reactive oxidative species in astrocytes and human primary brain microvascular 

endothelial cells (BMVEC), diminished EAAT‐2 expression, in astrocytes, decreased BBB integrity in vitro, 

enhanced adhesion and migration of monocytes across endothelial monolayers and activated small 

GTPases in BMVEC that were previously implicated in the BBB injury during HIV‐1 encephalitis (HIVE). 

This proposal will investigate a novel concept of mechanistic commonality, i.e. METH‐mediated 

oxidative stress exerting its cell‐specific effects in astrocytes and endothelial cells that emerge 

synergistically as a pathway for combined injury of HIV‐1 and METH and propose therapeutic options for 

these targets using in vivo studies. 

Using a combination of in vitro assays and METH/HIVE animal model, we will address the following 

questions: What is the role(s) of enhanced reactive oxygen species, ROS production and NF‐κB signaling 

in diminished expression and function of EAAT‐2 in astrocytes? (Aim 1) What are underlying mechanisms 

of BBB dysfunction and enhanced monocyte adhesion/migration across brain endothelium (via oxidative 

stress, interference with NF‐κB and GTPase signaling)? (Aim 2); and Can therapeutics decreasing 

oxidative stress and normalizing EAAT‐2 function ameliorate cognitive impairment, BBB dysfunction and 

neurotoxicity in an animal model for HIVE and METH abuse? (Aim 3) We will address these questions 

utilizing primary human astrocytes and BMVEC, in vitro BBB models and evaluate combined effects of 

METH and HIV‐1 relevant stimuli on EAAT‐2 and BBB function. Antioxidants and specific signaling 

inhibitors will be utilized to delineate pathways involved in these effects. Our HIVE animal model will be 

employed to investigate the biological outcomes of these cell‐specific mechanisms in cognitive function, 

BBB damage and neurotoxicity. We believe that the proposed works are highly significant as they will 

uncover novel mechanisms involved in the combined effects of HIV‐1 and METH in the CNS and propose 

therapeutic approaches based on these investigations.


Ramirez SH, R Potula, S Fan, T Eidem, A Papugani, N Reichenbach, H Dykstra, B Weksler, IA Romero, P‐O 

Couraud, Y Persidsky. Methamphetamine disrupts blood brain barrier function by induction of oxidative 

stress in brain endothelial cells. J. Cerebral Flow Metabolism 2009; 29:1933‐45. 

Potula R, BJ Hawkins, JM Cenna, S Fan, H Dykstra, SH Ramirez, B Morsey, MR Brodie, Y Persidsky. 

Methamphetamine causes mitochondrial oxidative damage in human lymphocytes leading to functional 

impairment. J. Immunology 2010;185:2867‐76. 

Persidsky Y, WZ Ho, SH Ramirez, R Potula, ME Abood, E Unterwald, R Tuma. HIV‐1 infection and alcohol 

abuse: Neurocognitive impairment, mechanisms of neurodegeneration and therapeutic interventions. 

Brain, Behavior and Immunity. 2011. In press. 


CNS injury caused by HIV‐1 and alcohol: Protective effects of CB2 activation” 

Agency: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA)‐ Type: 

R37 AA015913 

Mechanisms and Interventions for Methamphetamine and HIV‐1 Induced CNS Injury National Institute 

of Drug Abuse (NIDA) Type: RO1 DA025566 


Blood brain barrier injury by methamphetamine in vitro and in vivo models 


Patients with history of HIV infection and drug/alcohol abuse

Bruce Rasmussen, PhD 




School of Pharmacy rm 436 

215‐707‐6917 

brasmus@temple.edu 


Signal transduction in acute and sensitized responses to psychostimulants. Genetic responses to 

psychostimulants. Molecular and behavioral correlation. Neurobiology of drug discovery in addiction. 

In vivo to in vitro assay development. In vitro to in vivo validation in lead compound development. High 

throughput drug screening. Ex vivo functional responses. 


Rasmussen, B.A., Baron, D.A., Kim, J.K., Unterwald, E.M. & Rawls, S.M. (2010). Β‐lactam antibiotic 

produces a sustained reduction in extracellular glutamate in the nucleus accumbens of rats. Amino 

Acids, 40(2), 761‐764. 

Ward, S.A., Rasmussen, B.A., Corley, G., Henry, C., Kim, J., Walker, E. A. & Rawls, S.M. (2011). Β‐lactam 

antibiotic decreases acquisition of and motivation to respond for cocaine, but not sweet food, in C57Bl/s 

mice. Behavioral Pharmacology, (in press). 

Rasmussen, B.A., Unterwald, E.M. & Rawls, S.M. (2011). Glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT1) 

activator ceftriaxone attenuates amphetamine‐induced hyperactivity and behavioral sensitization in 

rats. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, (in press). 


T32DA07237 NIDA institution training grant postdoctoral fellowship. 

In house: Betalactam structured therapeutics in glulamate‐related disorders. 


We have found that our prototype drug ceftraixone attenuates acute and sensitized responses to 

psychostimulants. Lead candidates have been selected for in vivo validation from some 70 analogs that 

have been synthesized and evaluated in vitro.


The Moulder Center for Drug Discovery (parallel synthesis, high throughput screening). Self‐ 

administrattion, Conditioned Place Preference and locomotor testing apparatus. Misc. molecular and 

surgical facilities

Scott Rutledge, PhD, MSW 




RA 599 

215‐204‐6021 

srutled@temple.edu 


1. Substance abuse as a risk factor for sexual transmission of HIV 

2. Substance abuse as a complication for adherence to HIV medication 


Rutledge, S.E., Siebert, D.C., & Wilke, D.J. (2008). HIV transmission and alcohol in the Caribbean: An 

agenda for social work. Journal of HIV/AIDS & Social Services, 7, 47‐70. 


UR6 PS 000366‐01. CDC. HIV prevention intervention research with HIV positive incarcerated 

populations. This study tested the feasibility of a group intervention for HIV positive inmates to reduce 

HIV transmission and increase access of medical services following release. Role: Co‐PI with Larry Icard.

Jerry Stahler, PhD 


Department of Geography and Urban Studies 


337 Gladfelter Hall 

215‐204‐6939 

jstahler@temple.edu 


Environmental and neighborhood influences on substance abuse treatment outcomes, community 

based substance abuse treatment interventions, homeless substance abuse, and treatment in criminal 

justice settings. 


1. Stahler, G., Mennis, J., Cotlar, R., Baron, D.A. (2009). The influence of the neighborhood environment 

on treatment continuity and rehospitalization for dually diagnosed patients discharged from acute 

inpatient care. American Journal of Psychiatry, 166, 1258‐1268. 

2. Stahler, G., Mazzella, S., Mennis, J., Chakravorty,S.,Rengert, G., Spiga, R. (2007). The effect of 

individual, program, and neighborhood variables on continuity of treatment among dually diagnosed 

individuals. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 87, 54‐62. 

3. Stahler, G., Shipley, T.E. Jr., Kirby, K., Godboldte, C., Kerwin, M.E., Shandler, I., Simons, L., Kerwin, M.E. 

(2005). Development and initial demonstration of a community‐based intervention for homeless, 

cocaine using, African‐American women. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 28, 171‐179. 


1. The Pennsylvania Research Center at Temple University (CJDATS2), National Institute of Drug Abuse 

(NIDA), NIH, 2009‐2014, Co‐Investigator (Steven Belenko, Principal Investigator), $3,000,000. 

2. Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders: Behavioral Treatments. Pennsylvania Department of 

Health, 2003‐2007, Co‐Principal Investigator (Ralph Spiga, Principal Investigator), $1,300,000. 

3. Community Reinforcement Through Religious Communities. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), 

NIH, 2002‐2005, Principal Investigator on subcontract from TRI (Kim Kirby, Principal Investigator, prime 

recipient: Treatment Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, $890,000), $40,000. 


The characteristics of the neighborhood in which substance abusers live, and the proximity of their 

residential location to certain environmental features, influences treatment attendance and 

rehospitalization.


I serve on the Advisory Board of DRC/Gaudenzia, a drug treatment program in Philadelphia, and I also 

serve on the Board of Directors of Prevention Point, a needle exchange program

Laurence Steinberg, PhD 

Distinguished University Professor 




215‐204‐7485 

lds@temple.edu 


Adolescent brain and behavioral development, and their impact on risky decision‐making, including 

decision‐making about substance use and abuse. 


Albert, D.*, & Steinberg, L. (2011). Judgment and decision making in adolescence. Journal of Research 

on Adolescence, 21, 211‐224. 

Steinberg, L. (2008). A social neuroscience perspective on adolescent risk‐taking. Developmental Review, 

28, 78‐106. 

Steinberg, L., Albert, D.*, Cauffman, E.*, Banich, M., Graham, S., & Woolard, J. (2008). Age differences in 

sensation seeking and impulsivity as indexed by behavior and self‐report: Evidence for a dual systems 

model. Developmental Psychology, 44, 1764‐1778. 


National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Jason Chein (PI), “Combined Effects of Alcohol and 

Peer Context on Behavior and Neural Correlates of Risk‐Taking” 

National Institute of Drug Abuse. Laurence Steinberg (PI), “Peer Effects on Neural and Behavioral 

Markers of Risk‐Taking” 


The mere presence of peers increases adolescents' risk‐taking by heightening the salience of the 

potential rewards of a risky choice. This is reflected both behaviorally and in patterns of brain activation

Ronald J Tallarida, PhD 

Professor 




Med Research Bldg 

215‐707‐3243 

ronald.tallarida@temple.edu 


Quantitative aspects with special interest in drug combinations that are synergistic. Drug‐receptor 

interactions. 


Ellen E Codd, Rebecca P Martinez, Lory Molino, Kathryn E Rogers, Dennis Stone, M, and Ronald J 

Tallarida. Tramadol and several anticonvulsants synergize in attenuating nerve injury‐induced allodynia. 

Pain, 134:254‐262, 2008. 

Tallarida, RJ, Alan Cowan and Raffa, R.B.On deriving the dose‐effect relation of an unknown second 

component: application to buprenorphine preclinical data ‐‐ with clinical relevance Drug & Alc. 

Dependence, 109: 126‐129, 2010. 

Tallarida RJ and Raffa RB. The application of drug dose equivalence in the quantitative analysis of 

receptor occupation and drug combinations. Pharmacol & Ther. 127: 165‐174, 2010. 


2P30 DAO13429 PI: EM Unterwald NIH/NIDA 07/01/2010 – 04/30/2015 $812,301 

Title: Center on Intersystem Regulation by Drugs of Abuse. The Center has an Administrative Core and 6 

Core Laboratories to support research on drug abuse. Dr Tallarida heads the core on drug 

combinations/data base. 

Role: Co‐investigator/core director (3.0 calendar mos) RO1 DA‐06650 ‐16A1 

PI: Adler MW; 09/29/01‐06/30/11 

NIH/NIDA $314,063 

Opioids, Cannabinoids, Chemokines: Functional Implications of Cross Talk 

The major goals of this project are to examine effects of opioid and cannabinoid compounds on various 

immune responses and to characterize interactions among opioid, cannabinoid and chemokine 

receptors 

Role: Co‐Investigator (0.9 calendar mos.)


Development of methodology for assessing interactions between drugs. 

CSAR membership 

Special Access

Ellen Tedaldi, MD 

Professor 

Department of Medicine 

Director, HIV Program 


Health Sciences 1316 W. Ontario Street; Room 809 Jones Hall 

215‐707‐1800 x4511 

etedaldi@temple.edu 


I direct the HIV program with 950 patients‐multiple substance users; done years of clinical trials in HIV. 

Translational projects with neuroscience. Have the infrastructure to collaborate on projects. Publications 

on coinfection with hepatitis B/C, antiretroviral therapy, health disparities. work with Prevention point 

on needle exchange; community board of HepTREC‐‐hepatitis prevention and education organization 

(now housed at Univ Sciences Phila) 


. Khalsa JH, Treisman G, McCance‐Katz E, Tedaldi E. Medical Consequences of Drug Abuse and Co‐ 

Occurring Infections: Reseach at the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Subst Abus. 2008;29(3):5‐16. 

Review. 

Non funded: 


1. work with Prevention point on needle exchange providing streetside medical care to addicts; 

2. community board of HepTREC‐‐hepatitis prevention and education organization (now housed at Univ 

Sciences Phila)‐‐community projects on vaccinations among other projects. 


Have the clinical population of HIV patients and substance users with study coordinator‐‐can collaborate 

on variety of projects. 


Have the clinical population of HIV patients and substance users with study coordinator‐‐can collaborate 

on variety of projects. Also part of the Temple Neuroscience center in the behavioral and clinical core‐ 

can do translational research.

Ellen M. Unterwald, PhD 

Professor 



Director, Center for Substance Abuse Research 

TUHSC, Medical Research Building, Room 312 

215‐707‐1681 

ellen.unterwald@temple.edu 

Neurobiology of addiction using pre‐clinical models. 

Effects of drugs of abuse during adolescence. 


Novel therapeutic targets for the prevention of relapse. 

Brain reward pathways and neuroadaptations produced by drugs of abuse. 

The role of stress and anxiety in substance abuse and relapse. 


Miller JS, Tallarida RJ, Unterwald EM. Cocaine‐induced hyperactivity and sensitization are dependent on 

GSK3. Neuropharmacology, 56:1116‐1123, 2009. 

Soderman AR, and Unterwald EM. Cocaine reward and hyperactivity in the rat: Sites of mu opioid 

receptor modulation. Neuroscience, 154:1506‐1516, 2008. 

Niculescu, M., Perrine, S.A., Miller, J.S., Ehrlich, M.E., and Unterwald, E.M. Trk: a neuromodulator of age‐ 

specific behavioral responses to cocaine in mice, Journal of Neuroscience, 28:1198‐1207, 2008. 


Principal Investigator on NIH/NIDA grant R01‐DA09580‐13, "Cocaine‐induced Opioid, Dopamine & 

Behavioral Changes", 7/1/96 – 6/30/15. 

Principal Investigator/Program Director on NIDA Training Grant T32 DA07237‐22, “Training Program: 

Drugs of Abuse and Related Neuropeptides”, 7/1/04‐6/30/15. 

Principal Investigator/Program Director on NIH/NIDA Core Center of Excellence Grant P30 DA13429‐11, 

“Center on Intersystem Regulation by Drugs of Abuse”, 10/1/00‐6/30/15. 


We have found that drug seeking behaviors can be blocked by inhibition of the GSK3 signalling pathway 

in a mouse model.


The Center for Substance Abuse Research at Temple University is the recipient of a Core Center of 

Excellence Grant (P30) from NIDA. This grant supports core facilities to enhance and expand research in 

the area of drugs of abuse and addiction. The cores are available for anyone participating in substance 

abuse research

Ellen Walker, PhD, MS 

Professor 

Department of Pharmaceutical Services 


515B Pharmacy 

215‐707‐6770 

ellen.walker@temple.edu 


My laboratory is examining three different projects related to substance abuse. We are evaluating: 1) 

the role of pain states and the treatment of pain statements in prescription drug abuse; 2) the abuse 

potential of stimulants in a vulnerable population, i.e., young mice that have been exposed to the same 

chemotherapeutic agents used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia; and, 3) various cannabinoids for 

their capacity to prevent relapse to cocaine. 


Farrell, M.S., Rosenzweig‐Lipson, S., Walker, E.A. Discriminative stimulus effects of serotonin agonists, 

neutral antagonists, and inverse agonists in pigeons: Perspectives on intrinsic efficacy measurements in 

vivo. Psychopharmacology, 211:149‐159, 2010. 

Madia, P.A., Sighe, S.V., Sirohi, S., Walker, E.A., and Yoburn, B.C. Dosing protocol and analgesic efficacy 

determine opioid tolerance. Psychopharmacology, 207(3):413‐22, 2009. 

Ward, S.J. Rosenberg, M.R., Dykstra, L.A., and Walker, E.A. The CB1 antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) 

blocks cue‐induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and other context and extinction phenomena 

predictive of relapse. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 105(3):248‐55, 2009. 


Prescription opioid abuse in the context of pain. (PI: Walker). Peter F. McManus Charitable Trust. Period 

of support: 01/10‐12/10. Total direct costs: $47,564. 

CB1 receptors: Cocaine reinforcement and relapse. NRSA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship to Sara Jane 

Ward, Ph.D. (Mentor: Walker). National Institute of Drug Abuse (F32 DA019312). Period of support: 

01/06‐05/08. Total direct costs: $106,681. 

Behavioral pharmacology of serotonin inverse agonists. National Institute of Drug Abuse (1R01 

DA14673‐05). (PI: Walker). Period of support: 10/02‐3/08. Total direct costs: $1,075,000.


The propensity for mice to find a prescription opioid rewarding in conditioned place preference is 

dependent on prior exposure to certain pain states but not others. Therefore, the history of pain and 

how it is treated may influence future prescription opioid reward. 


In my laboratory and in conjunction with the Moulder Drug Discovery Center, Dr. Sara Ward performs 

mouse and rat i.v. drug self‐administration. At the present time, this is the only self‐administration unit 

on campus. I I am a member of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence and APA's Division of 

Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse. I also currently have a collaboration and sabbatical 

arranged at Columbia University's Substance Use Research Center to work with pain patients and 

prescription opioid abusers.

Sara Jane Ward, PhD 

Research Assistant Professor 



School of Pharmacy, Rm 431B 

215 707‐1005 

saraward@temple.edu 


My research focuses on the role of the cannabinoid (CB) receptor system and non‐addictive cannabinoid 

constituents in food and drug addiction and pain. We use mouse and rat models of drug and food self‐ 

administration and neuropathic pain to investigate the pharmacological effects of CB ligands on CB and 

non‐CB receptors. We are also interested in the interplay between pain and addiction, as well as the 

roles of glutamate and serotonin on addiction behaviors. 


Ward SJ, and Walker EA. Sex and CB1 genotype differentiate palatable food and cocaine self‐ 

administration in mice. Behavioural Pharmacology Behavioral Pharmacology 2009 Oct;20(7):605‐13. 

Ward SJ, Rosenberg M, Dykstra LA, Walker EA. The CB1 antagonist rimonabant (SR141716) blocks cue‐ 

induced reinstatement of cocaine seeking and other context and extinction phenomena predictive of 

relapse. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 2009 105(3):248‐55. 

Ward SJ, Rasmussen BA, Corley G, Henry C, Kim JK, Walker EA, Rawls SM. β‐lactam antibiotic decreases 

acquisition of cocaine, but not sweet food, self‐administration in mice. Behavioural Pharmacology in 

press 2011. 


P.I. – NIDA Grant DA06650‐19 ‐ “Opioids, Cannabinoids, Chemokines: Functional Implications of Cross‐ 

Talk” 

Co‐PI ‐ NIH/NIDA Core Center of Excellence Grant P30 DA13429‐11, “Center on Intersystem Regulation 

by Drugs of Abuse” 

RC1DA028153‐01 2009 ‐ present 

“Beta‐lactam chemical probes for GLT‐1 transporter‐related pathologies” 

Principal Investigator: Scott Rawls 

Co‐investigator: Sara Jane Ward 

NIDA Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship 2005 – 2008 

“CB1 receptors: Cocaine reinforcement and relapse”


One of our most recent findings that we believe to be most relevant to the treatment of substance 

abuse is that CB ligands administered during extinction learning can increase an organism's ability to 

dissociate previously drug‐ or food‐ paired cues, which could potentially reduce relapse to cue‐induced 

drug or food seeking behavior in the future. 


Resources in our laboratory pertinent to projects and collaborations in the field of substance abuse 

research include both rat and mouse self‐administration chambers and place conditioning chambers.

Wayne Welsh, PhD 

Professor 


College of Liberal Studies 

541 Gladfelter Hall 

215‐204‐6520 

wwelsh@temple.edu 


My research interests include Violence, Corrections, Reentry, and Substance Abuse Treatment. I am 

senior Co‐PI on a 5‐yr. NIH research center (U01) grant, Criminal Justice Drug Abuse Treatment Systems 

(CJDATS‐2). CJDATS‐2 is a national collaborative research project funded by the National Institute on 

Drug Abuse (NIDA), which seeks to develop a better understanding of the organizational and systems 

issues that can facilitate or hinder implementation of effective drug treatment and other services. 


•Welsh, W.N. (2010). Inmate responses to prison‐based drug treatment: A repeated measures analysis. 

Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 109, 37‐44. 

•Welsh, W.N. (2010). Prison‐based substance‐abuse programs. In: Gideon, L. & Sung, H. (Eds.), 

Rethinking corrections: Rehabilitation, reintegration and reentry (pp. 157‐192). Thousand Oaks, CA: 

Sage. 

•Welsh, W.N. & P.N. McGrain (2008). Predictors of therapeutic engagement in prison‐based drug 

treatment. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 96, 271–280. 


1. W.N. Welsh, Co‐Investigator, S. Belenko, PI. "CJDATS2 ‐ the Pennsylvania Research Center (PRC).” 

National Institute of Health, National Institute of Drug Abuse, NIH Research Center Grant (U01) (RFA‐DA‐ 

08‐002), (2009‐2013). 

2. W.N. Welsh, Principal Investigator. "A Multi‐Site Evaluation of Prison‐Based Drug Treatment: A 

Research Partnership Between the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and Temple University." 

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Subgrant #2004‐DS‐19‐15286 (2005‐2008). 

3. W.N. Welsh, Principal Investigator. "Evaluation of Drug Treatment Programs at the State Correctional 

Institution (SCI) at Chester: A Partnership Between the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, 

Gaudenzia, Inc., and Temple University." National Institute of Justice Grant #2002‐RT‐BX‐1002 (2002‐ 

2006).


Effective prison‐based drug treatment can lower recidivism by 11% or more. Ongoing research is 

exploring how outcomes are influenced by critical interactions between individual and programmatic 

characteristics. 


Current research partners include the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, and two collaborative 

groups in Berks and Lancaster counties consisting of researchers, county probation, and community‐ 

based treatment providers.

Marsha Zibalese‐Crawford, DSW, MSW 




Ritter Annex, 591 

215‐204‐3760 

mcrawfor@temple.edu 


Impact of substance abuse prevention on at‐risk adolescents; brief interventions and service needs 

regarding female adolescent violence, and evaluations for community‐based substance abuse and 

restorative justice prevention program and policy development/implmentation. 


Zibalese‐Crawford, M. & Welsh, M. (2011) “Girls who commit violence are unlike boys: The need to 

address adolescent female violence through an understanding of the unique context of the adolescent 

female”. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. In press 

Zibalese‐Crawford, M & Welsh, M. (2011) “Exploring the relationship between exposure to violence and 

girls needs.” Journal of Womens Health.. In press. 

2007 Zibalese‐Crawford, M., Anazzario, T., Lyons, C. ‘Report Card 2007: Well being of children and 

youth in Philadelphia”. City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Safe and Sound. (Published 2000‐ 2007 

annually) 


2009‐2012 Principal Evaluator. Mural Arts Restorative Justice Evaluation. Funded by the City of 

Philadelphia Youth Violence Reduction Partnership and Mural Arts program. 

2009‐2012 Principal Investigator. City of Philadelphia Behavioral Health Services County Drug & 

Alcohol Prevention Profile and Prevention Needs Assessment. Funded by City of Philadelphia 

Department of Behavioral Health and intellecutal Disabilitites. 

2008‐2013 Principal Evaluator. Drug Free Communities Project Evaluation. Funded by the Office of 

National Drug Control Policy.


Adolsecent females who have engaged in substance abuse and/or violence are different from their male 

counterparts both in their perceived reasons for taking part in violent behavior and in the types of 

violent behavior in which they frequently engage. Gender‐responsive programming is essential for 

effective practice with this population in family, school, and neighborhood contexts. 


* Adolescents (males and females) in Philadelphia ‐‐ After School Programs, community‐based 

programs, substance abuse prevention‐based programs, etc. in Philadelphia and southeastern PA 

* Substance abuse intervetnion and treatment community‐based programs kin Philadlephia 

* Adolescent delinquency‐based programs in Philadelphia and southeastern PA

Substance Abuse Research at Temple University: FACULTY ...

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