Carlee Toddes

Social agency buffers pain sensitivity during a critical window following spared nerve injury

This study shows that voluntary social engagement after nerve injury reduces pain sensitivity, but only within a specific time window.

Mu opioid receptor expression by nucleus accumbens inhibitory interneurons promotes affiliative social behavior

The paper identifies nucleus accumbens inhibitory interneurons as a key site where mu opioid receptor expression promotes social behavior, distinct from its role in exogenous opioid sensitivity.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme governs endogenous opioid signaling and synaptic plasticity in nucleus accumbens

This study shows that ACE inhibition enhances endogenous opioid signaling and reduces fentanyl-induced conditioned place preference in mice.

Mu Opioid Receptor Gene Dosage Influences Reciprocal Social Behaviors and Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry

This study shows that partial reduction of mu opioid receptor signaling in mice leads to social behavior deficits and changes in nucleus accumbens microcircuitry.

Interruption of Continuous Opioid Exposure Exacerbates Drug-Evoked Adaptations in the Mesolimbic Dopamine System

This study shows that interrupting continuous opioid exposure increases drug-evoked adaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system, leading to greater behavioral and transcriptional changes.