Knox Scientist Co-Authors Article in Nature

Knox College neuroscientist Esther Penick has co-authored a paper published recently in the journal Nature. Penick's research delves into a new way morphine ? and other drugs of abuse ? can alter the brain.

The brain region examined in Penick's study is important for the development of addiction. This region contains two types of cells that regulate the release of a specific brain chemical called dopamine, which is released when people engage in pleasurable activities such as eating and drinking ? as well as taking drugs of abuse. One cell type produces dopamine and another type inhibits dopamine release.

Penick and colleagues found that the inhibitory transmission in this region can normally be increased, slowing down dopamine cell activity. "This activity is a type of learning between the cells," Penick says.

The research reveals that in the presence of morphine the cells can no longer change. Therefore, the dopamine cells can no longer be turned off.

"We found that the effect on inhibitory transmission is long lasting; one treatment of morphine can last at least a day," Penick added.

Ultimately, this may someday help lead to the development of drugs that could prevent or cure addiction.

Supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health, the paper was co-authored by Penick and scientists at Brown University, Fereshteh Nugent and Julie Kauer.

Penick, an assistant professor of biology, has taught at Knox since 2005. Her research specialty is neurobiology, and she has co-authored papers in Science, The Journal of Physiology, Neuron and other research journals. Penick is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, and earned her doctorate in cellular and clinical neurobiology at Wayne State University.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 45 states and 44 nations. Knox's "Old Main" is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.