Longitudinal and noninvasive characterization of brain function and HIV expression in a novel HIV transgenic rat

National Institute On Drug Abuse

Investigators

Abstract

The goal will be to monitor, in rats, changes across several different brain parameters associated with HIV exposure using translational molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). We also aim to use a novel PET reporter to examine factors that can alter HIV gene expression in the rodent brain. This will occur using either AAV-mediated approaches as well as generation of a novel HIV/ChRERa+ transgenic rat. Rats will be exposed to different drugs of abuse (e.g., cocaine, heroin) and regional HIV expression in the brain will be monitored in a non-invasive and longitudinal manner. In addition, we will monitor changes in brain glucose metabolism and synaptic density as a function of HIV exposure using established PET probes.