University of South Carolina School of Medicine

The overall purpose of research in my laboratory is to better understand how the nervous system interprets stressful stimulation and responds to that stimulation. This research is performed in animal models and human subjects. A major focus is to gain a better understanding of the neurological basis for behavioral changes induced by physical activity and other non-pharmacological interventions in animal models of disease. In collaboration with Dr. Marlene Wilson at the USC School of Medicine, we are examining the effects of voluntary and forced physical activity and enriched environment on animal behavior and central nervous system function. These studies will enhance our understanding of how the nervous system adaptations resulting from one type of stressor might change the system’s interpretation and response to other types of stressors. This ‘cross-stressor adaptation’ may hold significant importance in developing new therapeutic modalities for mental and physical illness. A second major focus in my laboratory is on examining the effects of non-traditional adjuvant therapies on stress-related conditions in special populations. We are currently identifying the physiological and psychological changes brought about by stress-reduction acupuncture regimens, physical activity programs, and stress-management training in HIV-infected individuals. We are also examining the effects of these programs on the symptomatology associated with chemo-and radiation therapies in individuals with breast or colon cancer

Recent Publications

Hand G.A., Hewitt C.B., Fulk L.J., Stock H.S., Carson, J.A., Davis J.M., and M.A. Wilson: (2002) Differential regulation of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) in the amygdala during physical and psychological stress. Brain Research 949: 122-130.

Bopp C.M., Phillips K.D., Fulk L.J., and G.A. Hand (2003): Clinical implications of therapeutic exercise in HIV/AIDS. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care 14: 73-78.

Davis J.M., Zhao Z.W., Stock H.S., Mehl K.A., Buggy J., and G.A. Hand (2003) Central nervous system effect of caffeine and adenosine on fatigue. American Journal of Physiology (Regul. Integr. Comp. Physiol.) 284: R399-R404, 2003.

Fulk L.J., Stock H.S., Marshall J.D., Lynn A.J., Wilson, M.A., and G.A. Hand (2003) Chronic treadmill training reduces acute anxiety-related behaviors in rats. International Journal of Sports Medicine, In Pressgraduate Training: 1974-1978, Muskingum College, New Concord OH.