Eugen Brailoiu, MD

Research Interests

Dr. Brailoiu’s research focus is on calcium signaling and dysregulation of calcium pathways by drugs of abuse. Calcium plays a critical role in cellular functions including membrane excitability, neurosecretion, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) synthesis, gene expression, etc. There are two major ongoing projects: 1) to investigate the calcium component involved in cocaine addiction, and 2) to investigate the calcium pathways affected by cocaine in non-excitable cells with focus on blood-brain barrier. The laboratory recently published that sigma-1/IP3/TRPC pathways play a critical role in cocaine activation of D1 expressing neurons from the nucleus accumbens. Furthermore, the sigma-1/Store-Operated-Calcium Entry (SOCE) crosstalk is involved in cocaine action in non-excitable cells. The goal of the projects is to identify potential targets for treatment of cocaine addiction as well as targets for treatment of non-addictive actions of cocaine. In addition, a third project investigates the roles of cocaine and marijuana extracts on parasympathetic nervous system. Dr. Brailoiu’s laboratory uses various techniques including dissociated and cultured primary cells including neurons, fluorescent and electrophysiological measurements, as well as molecular approaches.

Educational Background

• MD, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi, Romania, 1990

Digital Bibliography

View PubMed Publications