My current research focuses on the effects of psychosocial stress in an animal model on the activation of neuronal systems modulating stress response and that are involved in neuronal adaptation to alcohol. Studies will involve evaluation of (1) determination of which brain areas are activated by social stress related to rank status; (2) effect of rank status on neurogenesis in specific brain areas; (3) role of specific endogenous opioids in the stress response and in adaptation to alcohol. .

	Pohorecky, L.A ., Blakley, G.G., Kubovcakova, L., Krizanova, O., Patterson-Buckendahl, P., and Kvetnansky, R. Social hierarchy affects gene expression of catecholamine biosynthetic enzymes in rat adrenal glands. Neuroendocrinology; 80:42-51, 2004
	Pohorecky, L.A ., Bauman, M. and Benjamin, D. The effect of chronic social stress on the endocrine response to challenge with dexamethasone, CRF, and ethanol. Neuroendocrinology 80:332-342, 2004
	Steensland P., Blakley, G, Nyberg, F, Fahlke C and Pohorecky LA . Anabolic androgenic steroid affects social aggression and fear-related behaviors in male pair-housed rats. Hormones and Behavior 48:216-224, 2005
	Tomie, A., Gittleman, Dranoff, E., and Pohorecky, L.A . Social opportunity and intermittent ethanol sipper induce drinking in rats. Alcohol 35: 43-55, 2005