Rutgers University
Division of Life Sciences
Department of Psychology
152 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854

(732)445-4660 or 3299
FAX: (732) 445-2263

gcwagner@rci.rutgers.edu

• Neurochemistry
• Neuropharmacology
• Behavior

My lab is interested in animal models of autism, Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Specifically, we have investigated the neurochemical and behavioral consequences following the administration of neurotoxic (e.g. MPTP or methamphetamine) and psychotropic (e.g. stimulants, neuroleptics, antidepressants and anxiolytics) agents. With respect to the neurochemistry, we have concentrated on the mechanism through which these agents affect monoaminergic neurons, exploring pharmacological intervention as well as age-dependent alterations. With respect to behavior, we have concentrated on the analysis and detection of "subclinical" lesions (i.e. very slight alterations in brain neurochemistry lead to minor behavioral deficits which require sophisticated and sensitive behavioral assays to monitor). We have also examined the effects of chronic administration of psychotropic agents on brain neurochemistry and behavior (i.e. animal models of schizophrenia and tardive dyskinesia). Finally, we have been interested in the psychopharmacology of aggressive behavior.

For complete list: PubMed

Michna, L., Brenz Verca, M., Dreyer, J.L. and Wagner, G.C. (2002) Methods to examine molecular changes and behavioral effects of drug administration. Brain Research Protocols 9, 181-196.

Halladay, A.K., Kusnecov, A., Michna, L., Kita, T., Hara, C. and Wagner, G.C. (2003) Relationship between methamphetamine-induced dopamine release, hyperthermia, self-injurious behavior, and long-term dopamine depletion in BALB/c and C57Bl/6 mice. Pharmacology and Toxicology 93, 33-41.

Brenz Verca, M., Bahi, A., Boyer, F., Wagner, G.C. and Dreyer, J.L. (2003) Distribution of "- and (-synucleins in the adult rat brain and the modification by high dose cocaine treatment. European J. Neuroscience 18, 1923-1938.

Wagner, G.C., Avena, N., Kita, T., Nakashima, T., Fisher, H. and Halladay, A.K. (2004) Risperidone attenuation of amphetamine-induced self-injurious behavior in mice. Neuropharmacology 46, 700-708.

Halladay, A.K., Tessarollo, L., Zhou, R. and Wagner, G.C. (2004) Neurochemical and behavioral deficits consequent to expression of a truncated EphA5 receptor. Molecular Brain Research 123, 104-111.

Wagner, G.C., Reuhl, K.R., Cheh, M., McRae, P., and Halladay, A.K. A new neurobehavioral model of autism in mice: Pre- and Postnatal exposure to sodium valproate. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (in press).