Oral Fentanyl Self- Administration
We have recently developed an oral fentanyl self administration model in male and female rats. This model faithfully captures different components of fentanyl use disorder, including escalation of intake, persistent relapse, and individual and sex differences. This model is used in our other work to explore the neural dynamics of addiction and to test novel therapeutics for fentanyl use disorder.
The Lateral Habenula in Fentanyl Addiction
The Lateral Habenula is a small brain region with an outsized impact on behavior. Using a variety of optical recording and manipulation techniques, we aim to determine which of the lateral habenula’s efferent pathways process fentanyl related cues and if they are necessary for cued relapse to fentanyl seeking.