David R. Wallace

Biography

Dr. Wallace joined the University in 1996 after a 4 year fellowship at the University of Kentucky. Since his arrival, Dr. Wallace has been actively involved in teaching 2nd year medical students as well as graduate students in the Biomedical Science Program and the Forensic Science Program. Dr. Wallace has been extensively trained in basic pharmacological methods such as radioligand binding, neurotransmitter uptake/release and intracellular assays. The major foci and interests of the Wallace Laboratory are the excitatory mechanisms underlying neurotoxicity in the Central Nervous System.

Research Interest

My laboratory has 3 major projects currently underway. Project #1 examines the interaction between gp120/Tat (HIV proteins associated with neurotoxicity), estrogen, and cocaine in female rats. Ultimately, the goal of this research is to provide insight into gender-related differences in AIDS-related central nervous system disorders leading to potential gender-specific treatment strategies for HIV and cocaine addiction. Project #2 examines the effects of low-level heavy metal exposure on the dopaminergic function in cell culture and whole animal. Low-level exposure to heavy metals may not cause overt CNS effects until much later. These studies have implications in forensic analysis and determining the potential cause of CNS damage. Of major concern is that low-level exposure may also lead to the development of particular diseases of the CNS such as Autism. Current work is also focusing on alterations in dopaminergic function following exposure to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals. We have observed significant social dysfunction in male voles following exposure to mercury. Neurochemical studies in rats have demonstrated that the striatum is a dopamine-rich brain region which is robustly affected following exposure to mercury. Additional work is being performed to correlate the outcomes observed in rat and vole studies and to further examine the neurochemical alterations following mercury exposure. Project #3 investigates the use of naturally occurring compounds as centrally acting agents. One series of studies has been examining the effects of Native American plants indigenous to Oklahoma and their potential analgesic effects. A second series is investigating the estrogenic effects of flavonoids found in soy and flaxseed.