The Psychopharmacology Laboratory at American University focuses on a variety of research issues, all of which have as their basis animal models of drug use and abuse. We examine both the genetic and epigenetic basis of drug intake, prenatal drug exposure, drug interactions, the neuropharmacological mediation of drug effects, c-fos expression and the interaction of the reinforcing and aversive effects underlying drug acceptability. These assessments are made through a variety of animal models, including drug self administration, conditioned place preferences and aversions, conditioned taste aversions, schedule-controlled responding and drug discrimination learning. The lab consists of a core room surrounded by three running rooms and a room for drug storage and preparation. An additional room is dedicated to microscopy. Graduate student offices are adjacent to the lab. All animal housing occurs in an adjacent secure animal facility which can house up to 500 animals in six individual temperature controlled housing rooms. This area also houses food and bedding storage, cage and bottle washing facilities and a procedure room for injections and assays. A common surgery and histology room are located in the same complex.