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James B. Leverenz MD Professor leverenz@u.washington.edu Fax: (206) 768-5456 Site: VA Puget Sound Health Care System VA Seattle 1660 S. Columbian Way, (S-116-6East) Box 358280 Seattle, WA 98108 Link to CV Division Psychiatric Neurosciences Link to Website

Bio One of Dr. Leverenz's recent projects is to examine the molecular changes that occur within the locus coeruleus in patients with Alzheimer's disease. We are particularly interested in how these neurons respond to the stress of degeneration in Alzheimer's disease. Using in situ hybridization we are examining the gene expression for certain neurotransmitters (norepinephrine and galanin) and receptors within these cells. We are also examining the level of locus coeruleus neurotransmitter release in specific brain regions using receptor binding and occupancy studies. We believe the locus coeruleus may be a source of excess noradrenergic and galanergic activity observed in Alzheimer's disease. Other recent projects and collaborations have included localization and expression of Alzheimer's associated genes (STM-2) in the human brain, neurotoxicity of corticosteroids, early senile plaque development in Down syndrome and Parkinson's disease pathology in genetic subgroups of Alzheimer's disease.