Erica S. Levitt

Delta Opioid Receptors on Parvalbumin Neurons are Necessary for the Convulsant and Anxiolytic Effects of the Delta Agonist SNC80

This study shows that DOR on PV interneurons are necessary for the convulsant and anxiolytic effects of SNC80, but not for locomotor or respiratory responses.

Opposing control of the respiratory brainstem on multiple timescales achieved by transmitter co-release from the locus coeruleus

The paper shows that locus coeruleus neurons use both noradrenergic and glutamatergic signaling to exert opposing effects on breathing control in the Kolliker-Fuse nucleus across different timescales.

Xylazine Exacerbates Fentanyl-Induced Respiratory Depression and Bradycardia

This study shows that xylazine worsens fentanyl-induced respiratory depression and bradycardia in mice, increasing overdose risk.

Inhibitory synaptic transmission is impaired in the Kölliker-Fuse of male, but not female, Rett Syndrome Mice

This study shows that inhibitory synaptic transmission is impaired in male, but not female, Rett Syndrome mice in the Kölliker-Fuse region, suggesting sex-dependent mechanisms in breathing abnormalities.

Opioid suppression of an excitatory pontomedullary respiratory circuit by convergent mechanisms.

This study identifies three convergent mechanisms by which opioids suppress an excitatory pontomedullary respiratory circuit, contributing to respiratory depression.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors in the gustatory cortex influence food intake

This study shows that GLP-1R+ neurons in the gustatory cortex regulate food intake in mice, with effects dependent on diet type.