Neuroscience: SESSION A 12:30-1:50 P.M. - Panel 3
Tuesday, May 19 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM
Location: Online - Live
The Zoom link will be available here 1 hour before the event.
Presentation 1
S. WESLEY GREENE, Ella Whitehouse, Catherine M. Cahill
Evaluating the Effects of Cannabidiol on Stress-Induced Reinstatement in Fentanyl Dependent Mice
The opioid crisis has created an epidemic of dependence, addiction, and overdose and cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating component of cannabis, is emerging as a promising intervention to reduce opioid craving and withdrawal-associated anxiety. However, the majority of research in this field has focused on stimulant use disorders, and the effects of CBD on stress-induced reinstatement remain unclear. To address these gaps, we use the conditioned place preference (CPP) assay to analyze the effects of CBD on restraint stress-induced reinstatement of fentanyl seeking. Sixteen adult male mice will undergo fentanyl conditioning in a three-chamber CPP paradigm. After preference extinction, mice will be randomly assigned to receive either CBD or vehicle treatment, administered orally via the consumption of a flavored gelatin with or without CBD (10mg/kg). To test for reinstatement, mice will be briefly restrained to induce stress and retested for preference for the drug-associated chamber. We predict that mice which have been administered CBD will show decreased preference for the fentanyl associated chamber after the stressful stimuli relative to controls, suggesting that CBD reduces stress-induced reinstatement. Demonstrating that CBD can attenuate stress-induced reinstatement will add to the body of evidence that supports the use of CBD as a potential therapeutic for opioid use disorder, and will allow for future exploration of the effects of CBD on other types of reinstatement as well as other drug-seeking behaviors.
Presentation 3
HILLARY LEEDS, Anita Liu, Nitish Patel, Avishek Adhikari
vlPAG GABAergic Neurons Modulate Multiple Types of Reward-Seeking Behaviors
The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) is widely recognized for its role in defensive behaviors, analgesia, and, more recently, food consumption. This project aims to extend these findings by exploring whether vlPAG GABAergic cells play a role in a broader spectrum of reward seeking behavior, beyond caloric intake. To measure a variety of reward behaviors, we used water and salt consumption, as well as social interaction. We used in vivo calcium imaging to explore neuronal activity correlation with these behaviors, as well as optogenetics to test whether the PAG is sufficient to drive such behaviors.
vlPAG GABAergic activity significantly decreases during water consumption, while stimulation significantly increases water consumption. While salt consumption is normally aversive, intake increases after deprivation. Interestingly, optogenetic stimulation of vlPAG GABAergic neurons increases both before and after deprivation. This suggests these cells may be activating a reward signal, even in the absence of deprivation. Finally, vlPAG GABAergic cell activity significantly increases during a social interaction, and stimulation increases duration of interaction time.
This project extends previous findings on the PAG, expanding its role to include modulation of reward-seeking. Our data proposes a potential new structure involved in reward, which could be used to adapt current reward mechanisms. In the long term, the PAG could be used to study addiction and other maladaptive reward-seeking behaviors.
Presentation 4
"Karissa J. Pertler Department of Neuroscience, University of California–Los Angeles Dr. Nino F. Läubli Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge Dr. Geeta Kasanga"
Analyzing Biological Models and Technologies for Neurodegenerative Disease Research: A Comparative Framework for Integrative, Instruction-Driven System Design
"Neurodegenerative diseases encompass complex, multi-scale challenges that cannot be fully captured by any single experimental model or analytical technology. Effective investigation henceforth depends on the deliberate selection and integration of biological systems and neurotechnologies, each with distinct strengths and limitations. These constraints necessitate a comparative evaluation of invaluable in vivo and in vitro models, including rodent systems, Caenorhabditis elegans, brain organoids, and neuronal cell cultures, alongside platforms such as microelectrode arrays (MEAs), microfluidic systems, and advanced optical imaging (FLIM and EM).
Using a guided laboratory and literature-based framework, instructional datasets should be integrated to support a structured methodological comparison. This data illustrates rodent models provide strong physiological and behavioral relevance, while simpler organisms and in vitro systems enable greater experimental control and mechanistic isolation. Comparisons across technologies reveal key tradeoffs, particularly between spatial and temporal resolution, with approaches such as fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy offering enhanced molecular insight at the cost of reduced acquisition speed. Overall, no single model or technology captures the full complexity of neurodegenerative disease. Rather, this framework advances a principled, integrative framework in which complementary systems are carefully combined to strengthen mechanistic interpretation and guide translational design."
Presentation 5
SHUOSHUO (TALAN) LI, JEONGHA (BRYAN) KIM, Catherine Cahill
A Low-Cost, Pump-Free RFID-Enabled Lickometer for Monitoring Opioid Self-Administration in Socially Housed Mice
Studying voluntary opioid intake in socially housed animals remains a methodological challenge. Intravenous self-administration, while the gold standard, requires invasive surgery and operant chambers that remove animals from their social environment. Existing home-cage alternatives, such as FARESHARE (Frie & Khokhar, 2023), address social context but rely on peristaltic pumps and platinum-cured silicone tubing, which are expensive and can prone to wear-induced failure, that if not being addressed in a timely manner, can be a potential risk for ongoing experiment.
Here we present a novel, simplified lickometer system built upon the FARESHARE framework. By eliminating the peristaltic pump and volumetric delivery components entirely, our device reduces cost and removes the primary mechanical failure point. Lick detection is achieved via capacitive sensing: a charge signal transmitted from a send pin is measured at a sense pin, where contact by a mouse — acting as a charge sink — prolongs signal travel time, reliably indexing a lick event. Each animal’s chest is implanted with a subcutaneous RFID tag, enabling individual identification within group-housed cages.
This system is designed to support future neurobiology studies like examining how chronic neuropathic pain, induced via constrictive vagus nerve injury, alters licking behavior and opioid palatability. We propose that this low-cost, maintenance-minimal platform offers a practical tool for addiction research in naturalistic, socially housed conditions