Journal of Experimental Neurology

Original Research Open Access

Differential Role of Monoamines (NE, 5-HT, and DA) in Adolescent vs. Adult in Responses to Methylphenidate (Ritalin) 

Nachum Dafny , Cruz Reyes-Vasquez , Catherin M. Claussen

Methylphenidate (MPD) is a widely prescribed psychostimulant used to treat behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as for cognitive and memory enhancement across all age groups. In addition, MPD is often used—and abused—recreationally by adolescents, adults, and older individuals. 

Original Research Open Access

Breaking the Cycle: Strategies for Preventing and Treating Opioid Dependence

Nachum Dafny

Morphine influences multiple brain nuclei that regulate key physiological systems, including the endocrine and immune systems, as well as behavioral expression. Opioid consumption has been shown to suppress both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and immune function—systems that play a critical role in the development of opioid tolerance and the manifestation of withdrawal symptoms. 

Case Report Open Access

Is Obstructive Sleep Apnea an Underrecognized, Potentially Modifiable Risk Factor for Development, Expansion, and Rupture of Dissecting Cerebral Aneurysms?

Danny Sameh Darwich , Esteban Cheng-Ching

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most common sleep disorder, affects nearly 1 billion people worldwide. Moreover, because most cases of OSA remain undiagnosed and untreated, affected individuals are at risk of serious complications, including ischemic stroke, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. Although OSA is a well-established risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, particularly ischemic stroke.

Review Article Open Access

The Evolving Role of Allied Practice Providers (APPs) in the Modern Neurology Landscape

Arun Swaminathan

Neurology requires complex and multi-faceted care for patients with multi-disciplinary collaboration. There is significant strain on current physicians due to limited provider availability and resources. APPs offer an excellent source of support and care to patients and are able to work closely with physicians and care teams with varying degrees of supervision and offer excellent and comprehensive care to patients. 

Mini Review Open Access

The Dynorphin–Kappa Opioid System as a Salience Gatekeeper in Schizophrenia

Durairaj Ragu Varman

Schizophrenia is a complex, multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder in which many patients continue to experience disabling negative and cognitive symptoms despite treatment with dopamine-based antipsychotics. This therapeutic limitation has intensified the search for alternative neurobiological pathways that more directly regulate stress, affective processing, and salience. Increasing translational evidence indicates the dynorphin–kappa opioid receptor (DYN–KOR) pathway as a vital molecular regulator within cortico–striatal–limbic circuits that are impaired in schizophrenia.