This study investigates the role of the subthalamic nucleus in social memory in male rats using pharmacological, optogenetic, and electrical stimulation methods, finding that STN manipulations selectively impair social discrimination memory.

bioRxiv · Jun 22, 2026 · PreprintNeuroscience

Presence of an unfamiliar peer reverses escalated cocaine intake in male rats: involvement of the subthalamic nucleus

Cassandre Vielle, Lucie Vignal, Alix Tiran‐Cappello, Julie Meffre, Nicolas Maurice, Mickaël Degoulet, Cécile Brocard, Florence Pelletier, Yann Pelloux, Christelle Baunez

This study shows that the presence of an unfamiliar peer reduces cocaine intake in male rats, with the subthalamic nucleus mediating this effect during both short and long-access sessions.

Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry · Dec 17, 2025Peer-reviewedNeuroscience

Cocaine withdrawal enhances subthalamic reward sensitivity

Maya Williams, Cassandre Vielle, Jeanne-Laure de Peretti, Alix Tiran‐Cappello, Christophe Melon, Ali Awada, Yann Pelloux, Nicolas Maurice, Christelle Baunez, Mickaël Degoulet

This study shows that cocaine withdrawal increases reward sensitivity in the subthalamic nucleus, suggesting a potential mechanism for the therapeutic effects of deep brain stimulation in addiction.

bioRxiv · Jun 10, 2025 · PreprintNeuroscience

SUBTHALAMIC HIGH-FREQUENCY DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION REDUCES ADDICTION-LIKE ALCOHOL USE AND SUPPRESSES THE OVERCONSUMPTION INDUCED BY THE PEER S PRESENCE

Lucie Vignal, Cassandre Vielle, Maya Williams, Nicolas Maurice, Mickaël Degoulet, Christelle Baunez

This study examines how peer presence affects alcohol consumption in rats and evaluates the impact of subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation on this behavior.

bioRxiv · Nov 21, 2023 · PreprintNeuroscience

THE SUBTHALAMIC NUCLEUS IS INVOLVED IN SOCIAL RECOGNITION MEMORY IN RATS

Cassandre Vielle, Nicolas Maurice, Florence Pelletier, Émilie Pecchi, Christelle Baunez

This study investigates the role of the subthalamic nucleus in social recognition memory in rats using lesions and optogenetic manipulations, finding that STN activity is necessary for proper social recognition memory.

bioRxiv · Feb 7, 2023 · PreprintNeuroscience

Peer presence and familiarity as key factors to reduce cocaine intake: an effect mediated by the Subthalamic Nucleus

Elodie Giorla, Sandra Nordmann, Cassandre Vielle, Yann Pelloux, Perrine Roux, Camélia Protopopescu, Christine Manrique, Karen Davranche, Christian Montanari, Lisa Giorgi, Antoine Vilotitch, Pascal Huguet, Patrizia Carrieri, Christelle Baunez

This study shows that peer presence and unfamiliarity reduce cocaine intake in rats and humans, with the subthalamic nucleus mediating this effect.

Psychopharmacology · Jan 10, 2022Peer-reviewedNeuroscience