Raquel Adaia Sandoval Ortega

Convergent state-control of endogenous opioid analgesia

The paper identifies a functional dichotomy in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray, showing that micro opioid receptor neurons encode nociceptive states while enkephalin-releasing neurons drive pain relief in various contexts.

Mimicking opioid analgesia in cortical pain circuits

The paper identifies a cortical circuit in mice modulated by opioids and develops a gene therapy to mimic opioid analgesia for chronic pain.

Anatomical and molecular organization of the nociceptive medial thalamus

This paper creates an anatomical and molecular atlas of the nociceptive medial thalamus, identifying a distinct population of opioid receptor-expressing neurons involved in pain processing.

AxoDen: An Algorithm for the Automated Quantification of Axonal Density in defined Brain Regions

AxoDen quantifies axonal density in defined brain regions using a semi-automated platform to improve accuracy and reduce variability compared to traditional methods.

VTA μ-opioidergic neurons facilitate low sociability in protracted opioid withdrawal

This study identifies VTAMOR neurons as critical modulators of low sociability during protracted opioid withdrawal and highlights their potential as a therapeutic target.