Dr. Mactutus's major research interests are in the areas of drug abuse neurotoxicity, addictive processes (as revealed through studies of psychostimulant sensitization and sex differences therein), and NeuroAIDS. Developmental neurotoxic effects caused by maternal use of licit (nicotine, caffeine) or illicit drugs (cocaine, amphetamine) via exposure to environmental agents (e.g., passive smoking), or virotoxins (e.g., Tat and/or gp120) are one primary focus.