Heavy alcohol use and binge drinking are important contributors to alcohol use disorder (AUD). The endogenous opioid system has been implicated in alcohol consumption and preference in both humans and animals. The mu opioid receptor (MOR) is expressed on multiple cells in the striatum, however little is known about the contributions of specific MOR populations […]
B19: Role of the Neurotrophic Factor MANF in Neuroprotection following Cold Stress
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) is a recently discovered protein responsible for the regulation and survival of neurons. Studies have shown MANF to be a protective agent that prevents and repairs damaged nervous system tissue, however, how MANF achieves this effect is still poorly understood. We previously found that exposing A. domesticus crickets to a […]
B43: Exploring New Analyses in Drinking Behavior
Previous research has revealed that mu opioid receptors (MOR) located on cholinergic interneurons play a role in the mechanisms of reward and inhibition. By utilizing new analyses in drinking behavior, we hope to examine these mechanisms and consumption patterns in greater detail than we have previously. Through the usage of lickometry, we are able to […]
B47: Infralimbic Cortex Projections to the Paraventricular Thalamus and the Expression of Safety Learning
Recent studies indicate that the infralimbic cortex (IL), a subregion within the medial prefrontal cortex, is primarily involved in the expression of safety learning, with no significant role in the initial consolidation. In this context, the IL receives input from another brain region facilitating the initial acquisition of both threat and safety learning, suggesting a […]
C16: Food Type Alters Gastric Mill (Chewing) Behavior in the Crab Cancer borealis
Central pattern generators (CPGs) are neural networks that produce rhythmic movements, such as walking, chewing, and breathing, in both the presence and absence of sensory input. Exploring the relationship between sensory-regulated and intrinsically controlled CPG activity is crucial for better understanding disorders of rhythmic movement. The stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the Jonah crab, Cancer […]
C46: Cholinergic Mu-Opioid Receptor Modulation of Nicotine and Alcohol Drinking Behaviors
Alcohol and nicotine are common substances that are used and abused in society. Not only are these substances used independently of each other, but there is considerable overlap, with many people consuming both nicotine and alcohol. Alcohol and nicotine use are known to depend on striatal dopamine release, which is modulated by the release of […]
C51: Characterizing the persistent impacts of chronic early life stress on fear and anxiety-related behaviors in adult male and female rats
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects nearly 8 million people and anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million people in the United States, making them the most common subtype of mental health diagnoses. Early life stress (ELS) exposure yields substantial vulnerability to developing PTSD and anxiety later in life. Determining the impact of ELS requires a closer […]
C56: Sex Differences in Safety and Threat Learning: An Evaluation of BNST-projecting Neurons From the PVT
Recently, evidence of the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) plays a pivotal role in fear responses. Still, more research is needed into how important PVT is in safety learning. In this study, we examined the role of PVT and its projection to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) in safety learning through […]
C57: The Effect of Safety and Sex on Freezing and Central Amygdala-PVT Pathway in Rats
Several studies have reported that the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) is a sensory relay node in the brain that interacts with fear circuitry. However, little is known about the PVT in relation to safety learning, particularly its interaction with the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in the context of safety expression. Here, […]
C59: Selective Genetic Deletion of Oprm1 in FoxP2-Expressing Neurons Reduces Aversion-Resistant Reward Seeking
Mu-opioid receptors (MORs) in the amygdala and striatum are important in addictive and rewarding behaviors. For the current series of studies, we characterized the behavior of mice with genetic deletion of the MOR gene Oprm1 in FoxP2-expressing neurons (FoxP2-Cre/Oprm1fl/fl). FoxP2 is expressed in intercalated cells of the amygdala and a subset of striatal medium spiny […]