Dennis K. Miller

Associate Professor 212C McAlester Hall (573) 884-8141 millerden@missouri.edu Lab: Center for Translational Neuroscience

My research is in neuropsychopharmacology, with an interest in the development of pharmacotherapies for drug addiction and neurodegnerative disorders.

Our research is investigating novel targets for treatments for cocaine and methamphetamine abuse and addiction. We have recently determined that ligands for sigma receptors can alter methamphetamine's neurochemical and behavioral properties. We are conducting collaborative research to understand this interaction better. A second recent project has determined the polyphenols, such as apocynin, can also diminish methamphetamine's effects. Our research is investigating how polyphenols might work with stimulants and how they might be protective against drug-induced neurotoxicity.

A rat running in the automated activity monitor

A mouse in a conditioned place preference apparatus.

Rodvelt, K. R. & Miller, D. K. (2010). Could sigma receptor ligands be a treatment for methamphetamine addiction? Current Drug Abuse Reviews, 3(3):156-162.

Rodvelt, K. R., Lever, S. Z., Lever, J. R., Blount, L. R., Fan, K.-H., & Miller, D. K. (2011). SA 4503 attenuates cocaine-induced hyperactivity and enhances methamphetamine substitution for a cocaine discriminative stimulus. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 97(4): 676-682.

Miller, D. K., Polston, J. E., Rodvelt, K. R., & Will, M. J. (2011). Lobeline attenuates the locomotor-activating properties of repeated morphine treatment in rats. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 10(4): 421-429.

Rodvelt, K. R., Oelrichs, C. E., Blount, L. R., Fan, K.-H., Lever, S. Z., Lever, J. R., & Miller, D. K. (2011). The sigma receptor agonist SA4503 both attenuates and enhances the effects of methamphetamine. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 116(1-3): 203-210.