Cecilia Scorza Arló, PhD
Born in April 23, 1969, Cecilia Scorza is an esteemed Uruguayan neurobiologist with expertise in the neurobiological basis of affective and psychotic disorders, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, and the therapeutic potential of various substances.
Also, she has been studying for several years the biological and chemical factors which can explain to the high and fast abuse of smoked forms of cocaine.
She currently serves as the Head of the Department of Experimental Neuropharmacology at the Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable (IIBCE) in Montevideo, Uruguay.
From 2022 to 2025 she is the President of the Directive Council of IIBCE
Career
Academic Degrees:
- 1992. Degree in Biology, School of Science, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
- 1995. Master in Biology, Neuroscience, Programa de Desarrollo de Ciencias Básicas (PEDECIBA), Uruguay. Director Dr. Rodolfo Silveira and Dr. Bruce Cassels (Chile).
- 2001. Ph.D. in Neuroscience-Neuropsycopharmacology, PEDECIBA, Uruguay. Director Dr. Rodolfo Silveira.
- 2002-2004. Postdoc position in Dept. Neurochemistry and Neuropharmacology, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas de Barcelona, IDIBAPS-CSIC. Director Prof. Francesc Artigas.
Previous Position Held
- 1998-2004. Research Lecturer – Laboratory of Cell Biology, IIBCE.
- 2004-2013. Associate Professor – Laboratory of Cell Biology, IIBCE.
- 2013-to date. Head of the Department of Experimental Neuropharmacology, IIBCE.
Research
Research interests:
At IIBCE, our main interest is focused on the neural basis associated with neuropsychiatric pathologies, such as: depression, schizophrenia and SUDs (substance use disorders) mainly psychostimulant use disorders, and mechanisms of action of drugs like antidepressants, anxiolytics and antipsychotics. At the IIBCE we investigate the physiology of systems involved in these pathologies in order to find new therapeutic targets that enable the design of more specific and efficient strategies with fewer side effects.
We use behavioral animal models resembling some aspects of each mentioned disease.
Also, we study in basic and clinical models of psychoactive drugs-induced neuronal responses and the underlying mechanisms of plasticity.
Our models are combined with different experimental approaches, such as neurochemistry (intracerebral in vivo microdialysis), neuroanatomy, immunohistochemistry, molecular and pharmacological techniques.
In the search of innovative therapeutic strategies, we are developing three new research lines: 1) bidirectional gut-brain axis and the characterization of psychobiotics strains; 2) the medicinal use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids; 3) the study of the mechanisms of action of psychedelic-hallucinogenic drugs with anti-addictive action (ibogaine) and antidepressants.
Honors & Awards
- PEDECIBA, MSc. Fellowship, Uruguay 1995-1997
- PEDECIBA, Ph.D. Fellowship, Uruguay, 1997-2001
- Fundación Carolina, Postdoctoral Fellowship, Spain, 2002-2004
- National Research Fund, Researcher Level I, Ministry of Education and Culture- CONICYT, Montevideo, Uruguay, 1999-2001
- IBRO Felloswship to attend International the Workshop of Neuropsychiatry “Neuropsychiatric diseases and corticostriatal systems”, INECO, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2013
- Member of the National System of Researchers (Uruguay). Level I, 2009 – 2013
- Award of the National Board of Drugs, “Pasta base de cocaína: de los mitos a las evidencias”, 2013, Uruguay
- Member of the National System of Research from ANII, Level II, 2014 – 2021
- Award of the National Board of Drugs, “La adulteración con cafeína aumenta el poder adictivo de la pasta base de cocaína”, 2015, Uruguay.
- Professor of the Program for the Development of Basic Science (PEDECIBA), Uruguay, (highest category), 2018 to date.
- Award of the Goverment of Montevideo – Daniel Vidart Prize: Medicinal, therapeutic, industrial and food use of Cannabis, 2019, Uruguay.
- Member of the National System of Research from ANII, Level III (highest category), 2022-to date
- National Award- Prize “Morosoli” in Science and Technology – Applied Research, 2022
Publications
Research Articles
– Neuroprotective Effect of a Pharmaceutical Extract of Cannabis with High Content on CBD Against Rotenone in Primary Cerebellar Granule Cell Cultures and the Relevance of Formulations. Echeverry C, Richeri A, Fagetti J, Martínez GF, Vignolo F, Prunell G, Cuñetti L, Martínez Busi M, Pérez S, de Medina VS, Ferreiro C, Scorza C. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res. In press, 2023.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37155642/
– Discrimination of motor and sensorimotor effects of phencyclidine and MK-801: Involvement of GluN2C-containing NMDA receptors in psychosis-like models. Tarrés-Gatius M, López-Hill X, Miquel-Rio L, Castarlenas L, Fabius S, Santana N, Vilaró MT, Artigas F, Scorza C, Castañé A Neuropharmacology. 213:1090792022, 2022.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35561792/
– Probiotic potential of GABA-producing lactobacilli isolated from Uruguayan artisanal cheese starter cultures. Lozano J, Fernández-Ciganda S, González Revello Á, Hirigoyen D, Martínez M, Scorza C, Zunino P. J Appl Microbiol. 133:1610-1619, 2022.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35699653/
– A Comparative In Vitro Study of the Neuroprotective Effect Induced by Cannabidiol, Cannabigerol, and Their Respective Acid Forms: Relevance of the 5-HT1A Receptors. Echeverry C, Prunell G, Narbondo C, de Medina VS, Nadal X, Reyes-Parada M, Scorza C. Neurotox Res. 39:335-348, 2021.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32886342/
– Constituents of Cannabis sativa. Echeverry C, Reyes-Parada M, Scorza C. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1297:1-9, 2021.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33537933/
– Chronic high-fat diet affects food-motivated behavior and hedonic systems in the nucleus accumbens of male rats. Arcego DM, Krolow R, Lampert C, Toniazzo AP, Garcia EDS, Lazzaretti C, Costa G, Scorza C, Dalmaz C. Appetite. 153:104739, 2020.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32439602/
– Cannabidiol Prevents the Expression of the Locomotor Sensitization and the Metabolic Changes in the Nucleus Accumbens and Prefrontal Cortex Elicited by the Combined Administration of Cocaine and Caffeine in Rats. Prieto JP, López Hill X, Urbanavicius J, Sanchez V, Nadal X, Scorza C. Neurotox Res. 38:478-486, 2020.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32415526/
– A Single Administration of the Atypical Psychedelic Ibogaine or Its Metabolite Noribogaine Induces an Antidepressant-Like Effect in Rats. Rodríguez P, Urbanavicius J, Prieto JP, Fabius S, Reyes AL, Havel V, Sames D, Scorza C, Carrera I. ACS Chem Neurosci. 11:1661-1672, 2020.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32330007/
– Molecular changes in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex associated with the locomotor sensitization induced by coca paste seized samples. Prieto JP, González B, Muñiz J, Bisagno V, Scorza C. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 237:1481-1491, 2020. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32034449/
– Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) in the median raphe nucleus: Fibers, receptors and cellular effects. Pascovich C, Lagos P, Urbanavicius J, Devera A, Rivas M, Costa A, López Hill X, Falconi A, Scorza C, Torterolo P. Peptides. 126:170249, 2020.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31911169/
– Microbiota intestinal, probióticos y salud mental. Scorza C., Piccini, C., Zunino, P. Rev Psiquiatr Urug. 83:33-42, 2019.
http://spu.org.uy/sitio/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/04_REV_02.pdf
– Melanin-concentrating hormone in the Locus Coeruleus aggravates helpless behavior in stressed rats. Urbanavicius J, Fabius S, Roncalho A, Joca S, Torterolo P, Scorza C. Behav Brain Res. 374:112120, 2019.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31376444/
– Alterations in the Gut Microbiota of Rats Chronically Exposed to Volatilized Cocaine and Its Active Adulterants Caffeine and Phenacetin. Scorza C, Piccini C, Martínez Busi M, Abin Carriquiry JA, Zunino P. Neurotox Res. 35(1):111-121, 2019.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30066173
– Ibogaine Administration Modifies GDNF and BDNF Expression in Brain Regions Involved in Mesocorticolimbic and Nigral Dopaminergic Circuits. Marton S, González B, Rodríguez-Bottero S, Miquel E, Martínez-Palma L, Pazos M, Prieto JP, Rodríguez P, Sames D, Seoane G, Scorza
C, Cassina P, Carrera I. Front Pharmacol. 10:193, 2019.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30890941
– EEG 40 Hz Coherence Decreases in REM Sleep and Ketamine Model of Psychosis. Castro-Zaballa S, Cavelli ML, Gonzalez J, Nardi AE, Machado S, Scorza C, Torterolo P. Front Psychiatry. 9:766, 2019. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30705645
– Identification and Quantification of Cocaine and Active Adulterants in Coca-Paste Seized Samples: Useful Scientific Support to Health Care. Abin-Carriquiry JA, Martínez-Busi M, Galvalisi M, Minteguiaga M, Prieto JP, Scorza MC. Neurotox Res, 2018.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29536266
– Ibogaine acute administration in rats promotes wakefulness, long-lasting REM sleep suppression and a distinctive motor profile. Joaquín González, José Pedro Prieto, Paola Rodríguez, Matías Cavelli, Luciana Benedetto, Alejandra Mondino, Mariana Pazos, Gustavo Seoane, Atilio Falconi, Ignacio Carrera, Cecilia Scorza, Pablo Torterolo. Frontiers in Pharmacology, section Neuropharmacology, 9:374, 2018.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29755349
– Caffeine as an adulterant of coca paste seized samples: preclinical study on the rat sleep-wake cycle. Schwarzkopf N, Lagos P, Falconi A, Scorza C, Torterolo P. Behav Pharmacol. 29(6):519-529, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30036272
– Amphetamine, but not methylphenidate, increases ethanol intake in adolescent male, but not in female, rats. Paul Ruiz, Aldo Calliari, Patricia Genovese, Cecilia Scorza, Ricardo Marcos Pautassi. Bain and Behavior, 8(4):e00939, 2018.
https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.939
– Clozapine blockade of MK-801-induced learning/memory impairment in the mEPM: Role of 5-HT1A receptors and hippocampal BDNF levels. López Hill X, Richeri A, Scorza MC. Physiol and Behav. 179:346-352, 2017.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28705535
– Cocaine and Caffeine Effects on the Conditioned Place Preference Test: Concomitant Changes on Early Genes within the Mouse Prefrontal Cortex and Nucleus Accumbens. Muñiz JA, Prieto JP, González B, Sosa MH, Cadet JL, Scorza C, Urbano FJ, Bisagno V. Front Behav Neurosci. 11:200, 2017.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29093669
– Caffeine Induces a Stimulant Effect and Increases Dopamine Release in the Nucleus Accumbens Shell Through the Pulmonary Inhalation Route of Administration in Rats. Galvalisi M, Prieto JP, Martínez M, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Scorza C. Neurotox Res. 31(1): 90-98, 2017.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27631327
– Melanin-concentrating hormone projections to the dorsal raphe nucleus: an immunofluorescence and in vivo microdialysis study. Urbanavicius J, Lagos P, Torterolo P,
Scorza C. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy 72:16-24, 2016.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26686290
– Caffeine, a common active adulterant of cocaine, enhances the reinforcing effect of cocaine and its motivational value. Prieto JP, Scorza C, Serra GP, Perra V, Galvalisi M, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Piras G, Valentini V. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 233(15-16):2879-89, 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27270948
– Neonatal handling causes impulsive behavior and decreased pharmacological response to methylphenidate in male adult wistar rats. Lazzaretti C, Kincheski GC, Pandolfo P, Krolow R, Toniazzo AP, Arcego DM, Couto-Pereira Nde S, Zeidán-Chuliá F, Galvalisi M, Costa G, Scorza C, Souza TM, Dalmaz C. Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, J Integr Neurosci. 15(1):81-95. 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30266584
– Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH): role in REM sleep and depression. Torterolo P, Scorza C, Lagos P, Urbanavicius J, Benedetto L, Pascovich C, Lopez Hill X, Chase MH, Monti J. Frontiers in Neuroscience 9:475. 2015.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26733789
– Caffeine enhances and accelerates the expression of sensitization induced by coca paste indicating its relevance as a main adulterant. Prieto, JP, Galvalisi M, López Hill X, Meikle MN, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Scorza C. American Journal on Addictions 24(5): 475-81, 2015.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25974755
– Measure of anxiety-related behaviors and hippocampal BDNF levels associated to the amnesic effect induced by MK-801 evaluated in the modified elevated plus-maze in rats. López Hill X, Richeri A, Scorza C. Physiology and Behavior 147: 359-363, 2015.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25992477
– Neonatal handling causes impulsive behavior and decreased pharmacological response to methylphenidate in male adult wistar rats. Lazzaretti C, Kincheski GC, Pandolfo P, Krolow R, Toniazzo AP, Arcego DM, Couto-Pereira NS, Zeidán-Chuliá F, Galvalisi M, Costa G, Scorza C, Souza TM, Dalmaz C. J Integr Neurosci. 15(1):81-95, 2015.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26620193
– Prodepressive effect induced by microinjections of MCH into the dorsal raphe: time course, dose dependence, effects on anxiety-related behaviors and reversion by nortriptyline. Urbanavicius J, Lagos P, Torterolo P, Scorza C. Behavioural Pharmacology 25: 316-324,
2014.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25006977
– Avances en el estudio de la neurobiología de la depresión: rol de la hormona concentradora de melanina. Torterolo P, Scorza C, Urbanavicius J, Devera A, Benedetto L, Pascovich C, Lagos P, Chase MH, Monti J. Revista Médica del Uruguay 30: 8-16, 2014.
http://www.rmu.org.uy/revista/30/2/2/es/8/resumen/
– The median raphe nucleus participates in the depressive-like behavior induced by MCH: Differences with the dorsal raphe nucleus. López Hill X, Pascovich C, Urbanavicius J, Torterolo P, Scorza C. Peptides 50: 96-99, 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24126282
– Anti-aggressive effect elicited by Coca-Paste in isolation-induced aggression of male rats: influence of accumbal dopamine and cortical serotonin. Meikle MN, Prieto JP, Urbanavicius J López Hill X, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Prunell G, Scorza C. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior 110: 216-223, 2013.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23891757
– Role of the anterior thalamic nucleus in the motor hyperactivity induced by systemic MK-801 administration in rats. López Hill X, Scorza C. Neuropharmacology 62(7): 2440-6, 2012.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22353285
– Preclinical and clinical characterization of the selective serotonin-1A receptor antagonist DU-125530 for antidepressant treatment. Scorza MC, Lladó-Pelfort L, Oller S, Cortés R, Puigdemont D, Portella MJ, Pérez-Egea R, Alvarez E, Celada P, Pérez V, Artigas F. British J Pharmacol 167(5):1021-34, 2012.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22050051
– Relevancia del adulterante activo cafeína en la acción estimulante de la pasta base de cocaína. Prieto JP, Meikle MN, Lopez Hill X, Urbanavicius X, Abin Carriquiry A, Prunell G, Scorza C. Revista de Psiquiatría del Uruguay, 76(1): 35-48, 2012.
http://www.spu.org.uy/revista/oct2012/04_TO%203.pdf
– Coca-paste seized samples characterization: chemical analysis, stimulating effect in rats and relevance of caffeine as a major adulterant. Lopez Hill X, Prieto JP, Meikle MN, Urbanavicius J, Umpiérrez E, Abin Carriquiry A, Prunell G, Scorza C. Behav Brain Res. 221(1): 134-41, 2011.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21392540
– Depressive-like profile produced by MCH microinjections into the dorsal raphe nucleus evaluated in the forced swim test. Lagos P, Urbanavicius J, Scorza C, Miraballes R, Torterolo P. Behav Brain Res., 218(2): 259-66, 2011.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21056060
– Increase in locomotor activity after acute administration of the nicotinic receptor agonist 3-bromocytisine in rats. Abin-Carriquiry JA, Urbanavicius J, Scorza C, Rebolledo-Fuentes M, Wonnacott S, Cassels BK, Dajas F. Eur J Pharmacol. 634(1-3):89-94, 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20184877
– Dopamine Release Induced by Atypical Antipsychotics in Prefrontal Cortex Requires 5-HT1A But Not 5-HT2A Receptors. Bortolozzi A, Masana M, Díaz-Mataix L, Cortés R, Scorza MC, Gingrich JA, Toth M, Artigas F. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 17: 1-16, 2010.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20158933
– Clozapine does not require 5-HT1A receptors to block the locomotor hyperactivity induced by MK-801. Scorza MC(1), Castañé A, Bortolozzi A, Artigas F. Neuropharmacol. 59(1-2): 112-20, 2010. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20412811
– Primer estudio pre-clínico de la acción de Pasta Base de Cocaína en el Sistema Nervioso Central. Meikle MN, Urbanavicius J, Umpiérrez E, Abin Carriquiry A, Prunell G, Scorza MC. Revista Psiquiatría del Uruguay 73(1): 25-36, 2009.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289098541
– Prefrontal cortex lesions cause only minor effects on the hyperlocomotion induced by MK-801 and its reversal by clozapine. Scorza MC, Meikle MN, Hill XL, Richeri A, Lorenzo D, Artigas F. Int. J of Neuropsychopharmacol. 1(4): 519-32, 2008.
Book Chapters:
Pulmonary Inhalation to Assess Effects of Coca Paste on Behavior and Dopamine Neurotransmission. Scorza, C., Prieto, J.P., Fabius, S., Galvalisi, M. In: Fuentealba-Evans, J.A., Henny, P. (eds) Dopaminergic System Function and Dysfunction: Experimental Approaches. Neuromethods, vol 193. Humana, New York, NY. 0716-2799-0_7, 2023.
Caffeine as an Active Adulterant: Implication for Drugs of Abuse Consumption. Scorza, C., Prieto, J.P., Fabius, S. In: Patel, V.B., Preedy, V.R. (eds) Handbook of Substance Misuse and Addictions. Springer, Cham, 2022.
Neuroprotection by the cannabis-related products, cannabidiol and cannabigerol, and their associated mechanisms of action. Echeverry C, Fagetti J, Reyes-Parada M, Scorza C. Editor(s): Victor R. Preedy, Vinood B. Patel, Colin R. Martin, Medicinal Usage of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Academic Press, pp: 197-205, 2023.
Cannabinoids and Sleep: molecular, functional and clinical aspects. Chapter 1: “Constituents of Cannabis sativa”. Echeverry C, Reyes-Parada M, Scorza C. Springer International Publishing AG, Dr. Jaime Monti (ed). 2020.
Melanin-concentrating hormone and Sleep. Chapter 11: “MCH and Depression”. Urbanavicius J, Lopez X, Lagos P, Torterolo P, Scorza C. Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature, S. R. Pandi-Perumal et al. (eds.), pp: 195-206, 2018.
OAS Cataloging-in-Publication Data, “Análisis De Caracterización Química De Cocaínas Fumables”. Scorza C, Abin-Carriquiry JA, Galvalisi M, Prieto JP, Martínez M. 2017.
Research Grants (2009-2023)
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Role of the ENT1 adenosine transporter in the therapeutic potential of Cannabidiol for psychostimulant substance use disorder. Dr. C. Scorza-PI. 2022-2024.
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Gut-brain axis: role of gut microbiota in cocaine-induced effects. Dr. Pablo Zunino- PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher (2020 – 2022)
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Medicinal use of Cannabinoids: search for a THC:CBD or THC:CBG combination that enhances its action as neuroprotective agents and improve their cerebral bioavailability. Dr. Carolina Etcheverry- PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher. 2019-2021.
DICYT- Fondo Vaz Ferreira: Umbilical cord and its innervation. Possible mechanisms that explain growth retardation intrauterine, low birth weight and premature infants of mothers chronically cocaine consumers. Dr. Analía Richeri-PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher. 2019-2021.
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Therapeutic potential of Cannabidiol on behavioral and molecular changes induced by Cocaine Base Paste. FCE_3_2018_1_149210. Prieto José Pedro- PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher. 2019-2021.
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH): a new player in the neurobiology of depression. Study of the interaction with the noradrenergic nucleus Locus Coeruleus. Urbanavicius J- PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher. 2018-2020.
CICAD-OEA: Smoked cocaine. Analysis and chemical characterization of smoked forms of cocaine. Methodological issues and concepts to achieve systemic information in regional countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay. Dr. C. Scorza-PI. 2014-2015.
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Factors and mechanisms implied in the rewarding effect of coca-paste: relevance to understand the high abuse liability in active consumers. Prieto José Pedro – PI / Dr. C. Scorza-Co-PI. 2014-2016.
ANII – Applied Research Grant Fondo María Viñas (Uruguay): GDNF inductors as anti-addictive substances: synthesis and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of iboganie derivatives as a therapeutic potential for the addiction treatment. Dr. I Carrera-PI / Dr. C. Scorza– Researcher. 2015-2017.
ANII – Fondo Clemente Estable (Uruguay): Progress in the study of neurobiological basis of depression: role of the melanin concentration hormone. Mechanism of action. Dr. Pablo Torterolo – PI / Dr. C. Scorza-Co-PI. 2012-2014.
ANII – Fondo Sectorial de Salud (Uruguay): Preclinical study of anatomical, functional and behavioral changes induced by coca-paste seized samples. Dr. C. Scorza-PI. 2011-2013
ANII – Alto Impacto Social (Uruguay): Consumption of Cocaine Base Paste: contributions from scientific research to the problems observed in the clinic. Dr. C. Scorza-PI. 2009-2011