Research
Our lab primarily utilizes electrophysiology (both in vitro and in vivo) to measure and analyze the effects of substances on dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the anterior forebrain. Understanding the effects of DA is vital to understanding addiction and also the eventual clinical development of treatment.
Current Research:
- Neurosubstrates of Addiction
- Dopamine Enhancement via Light Therapy
- Dopamine Enhancement via Baicalein
- Alcohol Modulation of Dopamine Release Associated with Dependence
Our lab primarily utilizes electrophysiology (both in vitro and in vivo) to measure and analyze the effects of substances on dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the anterior forebrain. Dopaminergic neurons originate from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain and terminate in the NAc. Dopamine is the known neurotransmitter of pleasure - when homeostatic levels of dopamine are altered by the use of many substances, addiction is a likely outcome.
Understanding the effects of DA is vital to understanding addiction and also the eventual clinical development of treatment. Electrophysiology has excellent temporal resolution, allowing us to measure DA accurately within milliseconds.
In addition to electrophysiology, we also employ behavioral and clinical studies.
