University of Kentucky · PsychologyStoops Lab
William Walton Stoops · Lexington, Kentucky
Research Focus
Dr. William Walton Stoops leads a research lab at the University of Kentucky focused on understanding and treating cocaine and methamphetamine use disorders. His studies explore how the immune system and brain chemistry interact in addiction, specifically targeting disruptions in the glutamate system. By evaluating existing medications and their effects on drug-seeking behaviors, the lab aims to find better treatment options for individuals struggling with these substance use disorders.
cocaine use disordermethamphetamine use disorderglutamate systemneuroimmune signalingpharmacotherapy
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate how immune system signaling affects cocaine intake.
AIM 02Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of pentoxifylline in cocaine use disorder.
AIM 03Translate preclinical findings into human studies for methamphetamine treatment.
AIM 04Assess the impact of troriluzole on methamphetamine abuse behaviors.
AIM 05Study the role of glutamate homeostasis in substance use disorders.
Skills the Lab Values
human laboratory studiesdrug administration techniquesrandomized controlled trialsbiomarker analysisphysiological measurement techniques
Output against the department
Publications245top 24% of dept.70th of 296
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations5.1kbottom 44% of dept.166th of 296
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.