Craig W. Berridge
Position title: Professor, Department of Psychology
Email: berridge@wisc.edu
Phone: (608) 265-5938
Department:
Psychology
Education:
Ph.D. in Neuroscience, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
Research Description:
My research has made multiple significant contributions to the field of behavioral neuroscience, many of which were rapidly replicated by others. In my earlier research I developed methodologies that permitted the definitive demonstration that the LC–norepinephrine system exerts potent wake–promoting actions. This multidisciplinary work spanning electrophysiology, neurochemical measures, behavioral measures, pharmacological manipulations and anatomical observations, settled nearly two decades of debate on this topic. More recently, my lab was at the forefront in developing paradigms to study the neural substrates underlying the procognitive actions of clinically–relevant doses of methylphenidate (Ritalin) as it relates to ADHD. Taking a multidisciplinary approach that combined pharmacokinetics, microdialysis, cognitive testing, intra–tissue drug delivery and electrophysiology, we provided the first empirical evidence for a pivotal role of PFC catecholamines in the clinically–relevant doses of psychostimulants used in the treatment of ADHD (methylphenidate/Ritalin). Our major conclusion that the PFC plays a central role in the cognition–enhancing/therapeutic actions of Ritalin has been replicated by others using both rodents and monkeys (see work by Dr. Amy Arnsten and Dr. Barry Waterhouse). Most recently, we demonstrated robust cognitive actions of PFC CRF neurons and receptors. As part of this, we developed novel chemogenetic methods to selectively target PFC CRF neurons and determine their actions on working memory, sustained attention and cognition–related neural coding in frontostriatal systems in male and female rats. This work provides the first demonstration that CRF neurons in the PFC act via multiple pathways to regulate distinct cognitive processes.
Research Key Words:
Behavioral/Systems Neuroscience, Neurotransmitter Regulation of Stress
Diversity Statement:
I believe we are morally obligated to create an environment in which everyone is treated with respect and feels included, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, or ability.