Shayan Abtahi

Interests: My research examines how different receptor populations within midbrain and limbic structures as well as alterations in homeostatic state and environment impact the incentive salience of natural and drug rewards.

 

Current projects:

• Examining the role of D1 and D2 receptors in mesolimbic structures via optogenetic excitation in Cre rats.

• Investigating the role of the central amygdala in narrowing motivation and making decisions about rewards

• Examining the role of the central amygdala in salt appetite

 

Techniques: optogenetics, pharmacology, immunohistochemistry and flourescent microscopy, operant, self-stimulation and other behavioral paradigms