T. Hynes

Win-paired cues modulate the effect of dopamine neuron sensitization on decision making and cocaine self-administration: divergent effects across sex

This study shows that dopamine neuron sensitization interacts with win-paired cues to differentially affect risk-taking and cocaine self-administration in male and female rats.

Dopamine neurons gate the intersection of cocaine use, decision making, and impulsivity

This study shows that inhibiting VTA dopamine neurons reduces risky decision-making and impulsivity in male rats but increases risky choices in females, while also reducing cocaine-induced decision-making deficits but increasing cocaine consumption.