Our laboratory is interested in examining the neuronal mechanisms underlying the effects of opioids on synaptic plasticity and their link to the behavior effects of opioids.
In addition, we are also interested in examining how persistent pain alters the rewarding and motivational properties of opioids.
To this end, we employ a combination of behavioral models of opioid dependence/addiction, biochemical and electrophysical approaches, and state-of-art imaging and optogenetic tools.