I am interested in substance abuse research. I have a novel idea for a phychostimulant plant used in Africa which I want to explore but I am confused on how to begin.
I need help on
1. The best easily done behavioral protocols to access its phychostimulating effect in rats. Then how do I know which neurotransmitter is implicated in the effects am seeing from the behavioral studies.
2. I would like to determine the various brain pathways activated by this stimulant using histology and immunohistochemistry.
3. Determine the mechanism behind its neurotransmitter release I.e presynaptically then post synaptically.
Ideas and reference work would be needed. Thanks.