Research in this laboratory is aimed toward understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control neuronal development in the fetus, newborn and adolescent, especially the adverse effects of drugs of abuse and environmental contaminants. Ongoing projects comprise three areas:

(1) Mechanisms regulating development of synapses: ontogeny of neurotransmitter receptors and intracellular signaling cascades; endocrine and trophic factors.

(2) Adverse effects of exogenous agents on development: drugs of abuse (especially nicotine), hormonal imbalances, environmental contaminants (pesticides), drug therapies for preterm labor.

(3) Unique biological properties of the adolescent brain: their role in addiction and neural injury by environmental toxicants.

Slotkin, T.A., D. Lobner and F.J. Seidler, Transcriptional profiles for glutamate transporters reveal differences between organophosphates but similarities with unrelated neurotoxicants. Brain Research Bulletin 83:76-83, 2010.

Slotkin, T.A. and F.J. Seidler, Diverse neurotoxicants converge on gene expression for neuropeptides and their receptors in an in vitro model of neurodifferentiation: effects of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dieldrin and divalent nickel in PC12 cells. Brain Research 1353: 36-52, 2010.

Powers, C.M., A.R. Badireddy, I.T. Ryde, F.J. Seidler and T.A. Slotkin, Silver nanoparticles compromise neurodevelopment in PC12 cells: critical contributions of silver ion, particle size, coating and composition. Environmental Health Perspectives 119: 37-44, 2011.

Powers, C.M., E.D. Levin, F.J. Seidler and T.A. Slotkin, Silver exposure in developing zebrafish produces persistent synaptic and behavioral changes. Neurotoxicology and Teratology 33: 329-332, 2011.

Slotkin, T.A., Does early-life exposure to organophosphate insecticides lead to prediabetes and obesity? Reproductive Toxicology 31: 297-301, 2011.