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EDUCATION

B.A. Illinois Wesleyan University
M.A. SUNY at Buffalo 
Ph.D. SUNY Buffalo

RESEARCH INTERESTS

The current focus of my research is to investigate the effects of chronic stress on brain neurochemistry and behavior.  Our laboratory has demonstrated that rats exposed to unpredictable stress for ten days show altered neurotransmitter activity as measured through microdialysis with high performance liquid chromatography when challenged with a novel acute stressor or with drugs of abuse.  Current studies are aimed at elucidating the changes that account for the altered neurotransmitter release and the effects of the altered neurotransmitter release on neural circuits associated with rewarding and aversive experiences.  We have begun recently to examine the interaction between chronic stress and chronic cocaine on anxiety and fear-related behaviors.

FREQUENTLY TAUGHT CLASSES

Psych 503 Biopsychology
Psych 305 Research methods
Psych 481 Psychopharmacology
Psych 300 Brain and Behavior

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS

Matuszewich, L. & Yamamoto, B.K.  (2004)  Chronic stress augments the long-term and acute effects of methamphetamine.  Neuroscience, 124, 637-646.

Matuszewich, L., Filon, M.E., Finn, D.A., & Yamamoto, B.K.  (2002)  Altered neurotransmitter responses to immobilization stress following 5-HT depletions with MDMA.  Neuroscience, 110(1), 41-48.

Matuszewich, L., Lorrain, D.S., & Hull, E.M. (2000)  Dopamine alterations in the medial preoptic area of female rats in response to hormonal manipulations and sexual activity.  Behavioral Neuroscience, 114(4), 772-782.

Gouirand, A.M., Nilges, M.R. & Matuszewich, L. (2004) Chronic stress facilitates learning the Morris Water Maze.   Society for Neuroscience, San Diego, CA.

Gouirand, A.M., Nilges, M.R. & Matuszewich, L.  (2004)  Exposure to chronic unpredictable stress reduces escape behavior in the rat.  International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, Key West, FL.

Karney, J.J., Klasinski, J.L. & Matuszewich, L.  (2004) Chronic unpredictable stress induces anxiety-like behaviors in the defensive burying paradigm but not the elevated plus maze.  International Behavioral Neuroscience Society, Key West, FL.

REPRESENTATIVE GRANTS

National Institute of Drug Abuse, Small Grant RO3 DA016947-01    
2003-2005, “Impact of Stress on Cocaine Withdrawal Behaviors.”   

Northern Illinois University, Graduate School, Research & Artistry Award  
2003 “Biochemical and Neurochemical effects of chronic stress on male rats.”