Zantac and the Nervous System by Jacqueline Munis

Hi again! 
So much has happened in the few weeks since TRIP started. So far, we have conducted assays to test the effects of different stressors and drugs, and we presented the findings from our screen projects. I tested the effects of melatonin and constant darkness on locomotion. While working on my screen project, I learned a multitude of important lab skills, such as how to sort flies, collect developmental data, and perform different assays. 

Recently, we started to work on our independent projects. I knew I wanted my project to relate to the nervous system in some way. After a lot of researching and brainstorming, I decided I wanted to focus on drugs that are linked to cognitive impairment. 

So, for my independent project I am studying the effects of Zantac on the fly nervous system. Zantac is a drug used to treat heartburn and other gastrointestinal issues. Zantac is a drug that blocks acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) which in turn can block neuron signaling over time. I wanted to see how long and how much Zantac it takes to have adverse effects on the nervous system. To test the effect of Zantac, I am using locomotion assays and the proboscis extension response (PER) assay. These assays will allow me to see the drug’s effect on both sensory and motor function. I can’t wait to see how my independent project turns out and for what's in store for the rest of TRIP! ​

Collecting developmental data

Instructor, Dr. Amanda Purdy, teaching the Negative Geotaxis assay