Nathan Velarde

Genome-wide association study of cocaine self-administration behavior in Heterogeneous Stock rats

This study performs a GWAS on cocaine self-administration in rats, identifying six genome-wide significant loci, including one linked to carboxylesterase genes involved in cocaine metabolism.

Large-scale characterization of cocaine addiction-like behaviors reveals that escalation of intake, aversion-resistant responding, and breaking-points are highly correlated measures of the same construct.

The paper shows that escalation of cocaine intake, progressive ratio responding, and continued use despite adverse consequences are highly correlated in rats, with sex differences in addiction-like behaviors.

Individual differences in oxycodone addiction-like behaviors in a large cohort of heterogeneous stock (HS) rats

The paper identifies individual differences in oxycodone addiction-like behaviors in HS rats to uncover genetic factors contributing to vulnerability and resilience.

Vaping nicotine-containing electronic cigarettes produces addiction-like behaviors and cardiopulmonary abnormalities in rats

Vaping nicotine-containing e-cigarettes causes addiction-like behaviors and cardiopulmonary issues in rats, which are reduced by varenicline.