Mental Health and Telemedicine Organizations and Their Events

A Worldwide Calendar and Locator Resource
Maintained by Myron Pulier, MD

This Page Runs From UNIVYMB- to UNIVYMZ-

1. Grand Rounds: "A New Class of Atypical Dopamine Receptor Agonists to Treat Dyskinesia - Pre-clinical Development" Newark, Essex County, NJ: January 18, 2012

Based on these results, we have proposed a hypothesis that in LID the alterations of D2/D3 receptor expression ratio leads to aberrant expression of D3 receptor tolerance and SRT properties, which could result in aberrant modulation of neuronal firing in the basal ganglia of the dyskinetic animals and contribute to the development of dyskinesia symptoms. Thus, if D3 receptor tolerance and SRT properties could be abolished, then the modulation of neuronal firing by the over-expressed D3 receptor in the basal ganglia of dyskinetic animals would be similar to the natively expressed D2 receptors and potentially prevent the expression of dyskinesia. The hypothesis predicts that if the D3 dopamine receptor properties associated with dyskinesia could be selectively abolished using synthetic drugs, one could potentially cure dyskinesia associated with Parkinson’s disease treatment.

To test the hypothesis, we first screened a library of D3 receptor agonists and identified a compound that was a full agonist at D3 receptor but lacked the tolerance and SRT properties. Using electrophysiological and biochemical functional assays in a heterologous expression model, we demonstrated that the newly identified D3 agonist showed no evidence of tolerance and SRT. The new D3 receptor agonist essentially converted the D3 receptor to a functional equivalent of the D2 dopamine receptor. With the help of Dr. Steven Zalcman in the Department of Psychiatry at UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, we next compared the effect of this novel D3 receptor agonist to classical D3 receptor agonists (which elicit tolerance and SRT) in mice locomotor behavior assays. These experiments showed that the novel D3 agonist induced different locomotor behavior compared to traditional tolerance and SRT-inducing D3 receptor agonists. Finally, to directly test our hypothesis, we evaluated the effect of the novel D3 receptor agonist in a rodent PD model that can be induced to exhibit dyskinesia following chronic levodopa treatment. The preliminary results supported our hypothesis that the novel D3 receptor agonist significantly attenuated dyskinesia in the rodent PD model.

To discover novel D3 agonists as potential clinical treatments for dyskinesia, we employed computational tools to screen extensive chemical databases to identify additional lead compounds that are structurally analogous to the original D3 agonist. The goal is to identify and characterize several lead candidates that can be tested for function, safety and efficacy. The long-term goal of this collaborative effort is to validate these novel drug candidates in the clinical setting to treat the negative symptoms associated with dopamine replacement therapy in Parkinson’s disease. If the attractive side-effects profile of this new D3 agonist is validated, we anticipate pursuing further preclinical and clinical studies aimed at FDA approval and eventual marketing of this novel prospective drug candidate.

Presenter: Eldo V Kuzhikandathil, BE, MSc, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.

Up to 1.5 continuing education credit hour equivalents available for
  -physicians

Event Contact:
(you can use the link below for e-mail)

Dianne C Joe
NJ Medical School Department of Psychiatry
MSB E-562
185 South Orange Avenue
Newark, NJ 07103-2757

973/972-1889
973/972-8305 fax

The Purpose of UAPs, as outlined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act, is to provide a leadership role in the promotion of independence, productivity, integration, and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities and their families.UAPs provide the following activities, delivered in a culturally competent manner:

• Interdisciplinary education of students and fellows at the graduate, post graduate, and under graduate levels
• Community service activities, including community education and training, and technical assistance, for or with individuals with developmental disabilities, family members, professionals, paraprofessionals, students, and volunteers
• Dissemination of information, research, and educational materials

1. Facing the Future: "Employment 1st - Expect. Explore. Earn." Somerset, Somerset County, NJ: March 23, 2012

The CARES Institute is one of just two sites in America chosen by the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] and the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect[(ISPCAN] as model programs that feature innovative approaches to helping children recover from abuse, neglect, and violence.

1. Piscataway/New Brunswick (Biometrics, Environmental and Occupational Health, Epidemiology, Health Systems and Policy, and Health Education and Behavioral Science)
2. Newark (Dental Public Health, Quantitative Methods: Biostatistics and Epidemiology, and Urban Health Administration)
3. Stratford/Camden

ACPMH designs and conducts training on topics associated with post traumatic mental health.

In particular, PHS carrries out its mission to: conduct research that increases the body of knowledge regarding human sexuality; provide education in human sexuality in the Medical School, the University and the wider community; provide clinical services for sexual and relationship problems; and promote the sexual health of the community through community health initiatives.

The official publication of PHS is Sexual Health Today.

The purpose of the College has always been to reach out beyond the borders of the campus to create access to the resources of the University for adult and non-traditional students--statewide, nationwide, and even worldwide.

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