PROJECTS
- Longitudinal characterization of cognitive changes in a transgenic rat model of Huntington's disease.
- Dynamic changes in the size of dopamine neurons following drugs of abuse (in collaboration with Eric Nestler).
- Neural mechanisms of reward (in collaboration with Roy Wise).
- Serotonin/dopamine interactions (in collaboration with Marisela Morales).
- Endocannabinoid modulation of goal-directed behavior.
- Effects of cannabinoid receptor activation on cerebral blood flow.
- Endocannabinoid signaling mechanisms in schizophrenia (in collaboration with Patricio O'Donnell).
- The role of cannabinoid receptor activation in reward prediction (in collaboration with Geoffrey Schoenbaum).
- The neuroeconomic impact of CB1 receptor blockade (in collaboration with Peter Shizgal).
TECHNIQUES
- Ensemble (multiple single-unit) recordings.
- Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV).
- Combined FSCV and single-unit electrophysiology from the same sensor.
- Iontophoresis.
- Intra-cranial self-stimulation.
- Drug self-administration.
- Food-maintained responding.
- Intra-cranial microinjection.
Research in the CheerLab is generoulsy sponsored by:
