• Psychoneuroimmunology Education

The UCLA Post-Graduate Training Program in Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is sponsored by the Cousins Center and the National Institute of Mental Health. The program serves as a major campus facilitator for bridging training in the fields of behavioral science, neuroscience, and immunology and is the sole comprehensive campus training.

., Principal Investigator, Principal Investigator Psychoneuroimmunology is the study of interactions between the immune and central nervous systems, and particularly how these interactions contribute to psychiatric function and health. The Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) Research Lab, led by Drs. Huckans and Loftis, is a “real time”, translational research program that integrates human, animal, and in vitro experiments to examine how neuroimmune factors contribute to the neuropsychiatric effects of medical, psychiatric, and substance use disorders. The Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) Research Lab is led by Dr. Loftis and Dr. Our long-term goal is an improved understanding of how the immune and central nervous systems interact to impact neuropsychiatric function. At high pathophysiological levels, immune factors such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules regulate immune responses to pathogens and injury.

However, immune factors are also required at low physiological levels for the regulation of synaptic plasticity, normal neuronal function, and therefore normal mood and cognition. Many conditions such as addiction and hepatitis C are associated with alterations in immune factor expression. The PNI Research Lab is interested in how these immune alterations then contribute to functional impairments—problems with cognition, depression, anxiety, and impulsivity. Within the delicate balance of these immune factors, there also exists significant potential for intervention. The PNI Research Lab, therefore, strives toward discovery, development, and testing of novel treatments for psychiatric and substance use disorders. About Us Principal Investigators Marilyn Huckans, Ph.D. Loftis, Ph.D.

Approach The PNI Research Lab utilizes unique cross-species and translational methods designed to guide and inform one another and to ensure rapid progress from bench to bedside. We are funded through NIH and VA grants. Specific areas of interest include:. Investigating the relationships among cytokine-induced neuropsychiatric symptoms and associated changes in neurotransmitter systems, stress hormones, and neuronal plasticity and integrity. Characterizing the effects of addiction on peripheral and central immune function, and developing and testing immunotherapies as a novel approach to addiction medicine.

For example, the PNI Research Laboratory is currently evaluating the efficacy of peptide-based immunotherapies for the treatment of methamphetamine-induced cognitive impairments and neuroinflammation. The use of novel pharmacotherapies for the treatment or prevention of cytokine-induced psychiatric symptoms and sickness behavior (in animal models). Identifying genetic and neuroimmune biomarkers associated with cytokine-induced depression and cognitive impairment, such as the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase. Through the phosphorylation of other proteins, p38 MAP kinase can upregulate message transcription and increase protein expression of inflammatory mediators hypothesized to contribute to depressive symptoms. Current Research Pre-clinical testing of a novel immunotherapy recombinant T cell receptor ligand (RTL) to improve cognitive recovery and brain healing following methamphetamine dependence: From mice to men. This NIH challenge grant will characterize methamphetamine's effects on peripheral and central immune function, and it will pre-clinically test the therapeutic efficacy of RTL in reducing methamphetamine-induced cognitive impairment, neuronal loss, and neuroinflammation in mice. Novel RTL treatment to promote brain repair and cognitive recovery following methamphetamine addiction.

This NIH Phase 1 small business technology transfer (STTR) grant will determine if the ability of recombinant T cell receptor ligand (RTL)-551 to reverse methamphetamine-induced neuronal degeneration and cognitive dysfunction in mice is gender specific and must target myelin-specific T cells. These studies are crucial for evaluating the possible clinical application of a similar human RTL construct for treatment of subjects with methamphetamine addition. Cognitive and cortical effects of hepatitis C and interferon therapy. The goal of this VA-funded study is to better characterize the effects of hepatitis C viral infection and interferon therapy on cognitive function, brain structure and function, and peripheral immune activation.

Inflammatory mediators in depression and HCV treatment. The goal of this VA-funded study is to investigate the influence of p38 MAP kinase inhibition on inflammatory gene regulation, cytokine expression and depressive-like behaviors in mice, and in humans with hepatitis C. Faculty and Staff Principal Investigators: Jennifer Loftis, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University Research Scientist, Portland VA Medical Center Method of Contact: Portland VA Medical Center, R&D 16 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, Oregon 97239 Phone: 503 220-8262 ext.

57155 (office) or ext. 54725 (lab) Education: BA, Psychology, University of California at Santa Barbara, 1990 BA, Economics, University of California at Santa Barbara, 1990 MA, Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1994 PhD, Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), 2002 Post-doctoral fellowship, Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, OHSU, 2004 - 2007 Research: Dr. Jennifer Loftis is a Research Scientist at the Portland VA Medical Center and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at OHSU. Her research is focused on investigating the neuroimmunological mechanisms contributing to depression and cognitive impairments, discovering treatment targets, and testing novel interventions for improving depression and neuropsychiatric recovery. Loftis’ translational research program uses rodent models (e.g., Flinders Sensitive Line rats) and humans to characterize inflammatory pathways involved in cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly in patients with a history of substance abuse and hepatitis C viral infection. Recently, she identified a novel role for cytokines in the development of depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hepatitis C, and this finding has led to the initial testing of hypotheses regarding how circulating inflammatory cytokines affect central nervous system functioning.

Loftis’ long-term goal as a principal investigator is to expand our understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms associated with neuropsychiatric impairments and CNS inflammation. Teaching/Mentorship: Dr. Loftis is an active mentor and teacher in the community. At OHSU, she is a small group facilitator for the Principles of Clinical Medicine course within the School of Medicine, and a mentor for the Partnership for Scientific Inquiry. She also mentors for the STEM Mentor Project and is a member of the Neuroscientist/Teacher Partner Program to educate K-12 children in neuroscience and current research.

Administration/Service: Dr. Loftis balances her research and teaching responsibilities with administrative and community service. She serves as a member of the Portland VA Medical Center Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), the Portland VA Medical Center Research & Development Committee, and the OHSU Department of Psychiatry Promotions & Tenure Committee. Activities: Research, Education and Administration/Service Selected Recent Publications: Loftis J.M., Choi D., Hoffman W.F., Huckans M.

Methamphetamine causespersistent immune dysregulation: A cross-species, translational report. Neurotoxicity Research.

Epub ahead of print Anacker, A.M.J., Loftis, J.M., Kaur, S., Ryabinin, A.E. Prairie voles as a novel model of socially-facilitated excessive drinking. Addiction Biology Jun 23. Epub ahead of print Loftis, J.M., Huckans, M., Morasco, B.J. Neuroimmune mechanisms of cytokine-induced depression: current theories and novel treatment strategies.

Neurobiology of Disease 37(3), pp. (invited review). Hauser, P., Morasco, B.J, Linke, A., Bjornson, D., Ruimy, S., Matthews, A., Rifai, M.A., Indest, D.W. & Loftis, J.M. Antiviral completion rates and sustained viral response in hepatitis C patients with- versus without- pre-existing major depressive disorder.

Psychosomatics 50(5), pp. Loftis, J.M., Huckans, M., Ruimy, S., Hinrichs, D.J., Hauser, P. Depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hepatitis C are correlated with elevated plasma levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α. Neuroscience Letters 430(3):264-8. And Hauser, P. Interferon and Depression: A review. Journal of Affective Disorders 82(2), pp.175-190.

Marilyn Huckans, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University Staff Psychologist and Neuropsychologist, Portland VA Medical Center Method of Contact: Portland VA Medical Center, P3MHN 3710 SW US Veterans Hospital Road Portland, Oregon 97239 Phone: 503 220-8262 ext. 54689 Education: B.S., Human Development and Family Studies, Cornell University, 1996 Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, George Mason University, 2004 Neuropsychology Post-Doctoral Fellowship, Portland VA Medical Center, 2003-2005 Research: Dr. Huckans’ translational research program integrates human, animal, and in vitro experiments to examine how neuroimmune factors contribute to the neuropsychiatric effects of medical, psychiatric, and substance use disorders.

Currently, she has VA and NIH funded projects that utilize neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging, and immunological techniques to study the cognitive and psychiatric effects of methamphetamine dependence, hepatitis C, and traumatic brain injury. Based on novel findings from her research, Dr. Huckans is also investigating immunotherapies as a potential new direction for the treatment of addictions and substance-induced cognitive and psychiatric impairments. Clinical: Dr. Huckans provides neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, and consultation services through the Neuropsychology Service at PVAMC. Huckans most recently developed and piloted a model group-based cognitive strategies training intervention for OIF/OEF veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury and persistent mild cognitive impairment.

In an effort to move toward evidence based treatment, an adapted version of this intervention is now be evaluated through a VA-funded multi-center randomized control trial. Teaching/Mentorship: Dr.

Huckans actively mentors and supervises graduate students and post-doctoral fellows interested in clinical and research training. As Psychology Practicum Coordinator, she coordinates clinical placements for doctoral and master’s level psychology students at PVAMC. Activities: Research, Education and Clinical/Service Selected Recent Publications: Loftis, J.M., Choi, D., Hoffman, W., & Huckans, M.S. Methamphetamine causes persistent immune dysregulation: A cross-species, translational report. Neurotoxicity Research. Epub ahead of print Huckans, M., Seelye, A., Woodhouse, J., Parcel, T., Mull, L., Schwartz, D., Mitchell, A., Lahna, D., Johnson, A., Loftis, J., Woods, S., Mitchell, S.H., and Hoffman, W.

Discounting of delayed rewards and executive dysfunction in individuals infected with hepatitis C. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology. Schwartz, D.L., Mitchell, A.D., Lahna, D.L., Luber, H.S., Huckans, M.S., Mitchell, S.H., & Hoffman, W.H. Global and local morphometric differences in recently abstinent methamphetamine-dependent individuals. Neuroimage, 50(4), 1392-401. Loftis, J.M., Huckans, M., & Morasco, B.

Neuroimmune mechanisms of cytokine-induced depression: Current theories and novel treatment strategies. Neurobiology of Disease, 37(3), pp. Huckans, M., Pavawalla, P., Demadura, T., Kolessar, M., Seelye, A., Twamley, E., & Storzbach, D. A pilot study examining effects of group-based cognitive strategy training treatment on self-reported cognitive problems, psychiatric symptoms, functioning, and compensatory strategy use in OIF/OEF combat veterans with persistent mild cognitive disorder and history of traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 47(1), pp.

Huckans, M., Seelye, A., Parcel, T., Mull, L., Woodhouse, J., Bjornson, D., Loftis, J.M., Morasco, B.J., Fuller, B., Sasaki, A., Storzbach, D., & Hauser, P. The cognitive effects of hepatitis C in the presence and absence of a history of substance use disorder. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society, 15(1), pp.69-82. Research Associates and Assistants: Program Coordinator Research Associate.

Study Coordinator and Neuropsychometrist Study Coordinator Research Associate Graduate Students: Renee Anderson, B.A. Kristin Berggren, B.S.

Desmond Cheung, Ph.D. Viva Wheaton, M.S. Participants HCV Clinical Study Coordinator VA IRB#1682 OHSU IRB#4064 Hannah Luber, B.A. 503 220-8262 ext.

51188 Human subject referrals, scheduling questions, and other inquiries related to our hepatitis C studies should be directed here. Methamphetamine Clinical Study Coordinator VA IRB# 2477 OHSU IRB# 6162 Patricia Newman, B.A.

503 220-8262 ext. 58342 Human subject referrals, scheduling questions, and other inquiries related to our clinical methamphetamine studies should be directed here.

Contact Us Program Coordinator: Starr DeGennaro, M.P.H. 503 220-8262 ext.

56458 General program, administrative, and IRB related inquiries should be directed here. Laboratory Manager: Clare Wilhelm, Ph.D. 503 220-8262 ext. 54725 Inquiries regarding biological specimens and other laboratory operations should be directed here. HCV Clinical Study Coordinator Hannah Luber, B.A.

503 220-8262 ext. 51188 Human subject referrals, scheduling questions, and other inquiries related to our hepatitis C studies should be directed here. Methamphetamine Clinical Study Coordinator Patricia Newman, B.A. 503 220-8262 ext. 58342 Human subject referrals, scheduling questions, and other inquiries related to our clinical methamphetamine studies should be directed here.

Jennifer Loftis, Ph.D. Principal Investigator Marilyn Huckans, Ph.D. Principal Investigator.

About the Health Psychology Program Health psychology focuses on the links between psychological and physical health. It can focus on how diseases impact people psychologically, how psychological processes impact disease, or how psychological principles can improve health behavior. Our health psychology program and faculty are internationally recognized for their contributions to the field of health psychology, on a wide range of topics such as cardiovascular health, psychological and physiological responses to stress and chronic illness, cardiovascular health, HIV prevention and health promotion. We have a close relationship with nearby major hospitals such as Summa Health System. This translates to research and clinical training opportunities that are not typically available at other institutions.

Many of our faculty have Faculty status at Summa. This means that we and our students often conduct our research and training with patients and their families across many areas of medicine. This particularly supports our Health Psychology program.

Graduate students find themselves gaining important research and clinical experience in Psychiatry, Cardiology, Trauma Medicine, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology and elsewhere. Faculty and students work in collaboration with one another and with researchers at the Northeastern Ohio Universities Medical University and major medical centers in Cleveland and Akron. The health psychology specialty seeks to prepare students for research careers in both academic and applied settings. As you read and learn about us, you will see that we have a strong research focus in everything we do. We are a leading recipient of National Institute of Health grants in recent years. We publish actively and in top journals and you will see that our graduate students, and sometimes our undergraduates, are co-authors and lead authors in these publications.

Perhaps our most central value is conducting and publishing research that 'matters' and advances the knowledge base that is necessary for improving people's lives. Research Training in Health Psychology Health psychology is a major strength and focus of research across both the Clinical and Experimental Training Programs of our department. One of our departmental distinctions is that health psychology faculty work together across areas, and graduate students often choose research mentors outside their own training program. So, some Experimental students have Clinical faculty as mentors and some Clinical students have mentors from the Experimental faculty. Many graduate students also have secondary mentors that cross sub-disciplinary lines.

The training for the specialization in health psychology involves engagement in research, in collaboration with a faculty mentor, on a topic related to health psychology, which may range from rather basic research to more applied investigations. During the course of graduate training, students develop a particular research interest area within the general area of the mentor's expertise. Students typically conduct both their master's thesis and doctoral dissertation in their identified area of interest. Students interested in conducting basic and applied research in health psychology, but do not desire clinical training, enroll in our Experimental Ph.D. Heath psychology students in our Experimental Ph.D. Program may elect to pursue a minor area of study in either Social Psychology or Behavioral Neuroscience. Clinical Training in Health Psychology Students interested in gaining clinical training in health psychology enroll in our Clinical Ph.D.

Clinical students complete their practicum requirements by taking general practicum in their second year, and selecting an advanced or specialty practicum in their third year. It is recommended that students choose a third-year specialty practicum related to their research focus, if one is available.

In addition, students may request that they be assigned cases related to their area of interest when it is possible and feasible for the Clinic to do this. Students also complete at least one year of the required field placement in an assessment and or/treatment setting, and we have several directly related to health.

Graduate Courses in Health Psychology. Psychobiological Aspects of Health. Psychosocial Aspects of Health. Clinical Aspects of Health Psychology. Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine. Health Behavior and Health Behavior Change. Psychoneuroimmunology.

Psychoneuroimmunology Education

Psychological Perspectives on Well-Being Health Psychology Faculty - Body image disturbance, chronic dieting, and binge eating. Psychophysiological predictors and correlates of posttraumatic stress; secondary pharmacological interventions for trauma victims. The neuropsychology of chronic disease, with a particular interest in cardiovascular disease and obesity. The role of psychological and social factors in cardiovascular health and disease. Neuropsychological aspects of healthy aging. Coping, social support and psychological adjustment in response to chronic stress.

Stephens is Dean of Graduate Studies, and is not accepting new graduate students. Health communication and health behavior; applications of social psychological theory to health behavior. Faculty with Related Interests (Adult Psychopathology) - Physical health correlates and consequences of depression, such as sleep and sexual difficulties. (Adult Psychopathology) studies emotion processing and the development of psychopathology in the context of acute stress and chronic illness. (Adult Psychopathology) studies the association of cognitive and personality styles (e.g., explanatory flexibility, explanatory style, optimism) to psychological and physical health concerns; development of treatments to promote resiliency to stress. (Social) studies well-being and the pursuit of health goals (e.g., exercising) in the context of romantic relationships.

(Child Clinical) has interests in ethnic minority issues in mental health. (Biopsychology) studies memory processes in posttraumatic stress disorder and retrieval mechanisms in amnesia using animal models. (Child Clinical) Child-health psychology; Obesity in children and adolescents, including the role of stress and the impact of family-level influences on the development and treatment of pediatric obesity. Jennifer Taber (Social); Effective interventions and health communications to increase health behavior performance; behavioral and psychosocial aspects of genetic and genomic testing; risk perceptions and risk communications. (Child Clinical) studies the identification and management of pediatric psychosocial problems in primary care. Recent Health Ph.D.'