Rafael Perez, PhD
Associate Research ScientistAbout
Research
Overview
Medical Research Interests
Behavior, Addictive; Biological Psychiatry; Neurosciences
Publications
2021
Cocaine Augments Dopamine-Mediated Inhibition of Neuronal Activity in the Dorsal Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis
Melchior J, Perez R, Salimando G, Luchsinger J, Basu A, Winder D. Cocaine Augments Dopamine-Mediated Inhibition of Neuronal Activity in the Dorsal Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis. Journal Of Neuroscience 2021, 41: 5876-5893. PMID: 34035141, PMCID: PMC8265809, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0284-21.2021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchDorsal bed nucleusBed nucleusStria terminalisDopaminergic inputAutoreceptor activationCocaine administrationD2/D3 receptor antagonist racloprideDopamine-mediated inhibitionSubstantial dopaminergic inputReceptor antagonist racloprideDrug-induced elevationAcute cocaine administrationMale C57BL6 micePopulation activityCalcium transient activityDrug reward pathwaysWhole-cell electrophysiologyMouse brain slicesCellular inhibitionOutward membrane currentsAntagonist racloprideDopamine terminalsSaline administrationC57BL6 miceCatecholamine release
2020
α2A-adrenergic heteroreceptors are required for stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine conditioned place preference
Perez RE, Basu A, Nabit BP, Harris NA, Folkes OM, Patel S, Gilsbach R, Hein L, Winder DG. α2A-adrenergic heteroreceptors are required for stress-induced reinstatement of cocaine conditioned place preference. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020, 45: 1473-1481. PMID: 32074627, PMCID: PMC7360592, DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0641-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsStress-induced reinstatementStress-induced relapseBNST activityPlace preferenceDesigner drug (DREADD) approachEfficacy of guanfacineImpact of doseStress-induced cravingSubstance use disordersKey brain regionsRelapse rateBeneficial efficacyCPP procedureAgonist guanfacineDesigner receptorsGenetic deletion strategiesStria terminalisBed nucleusHeteroreceptorsUse disordersGuanfacineHuman studiesAnimal modelsCocaine CPPPotential treatment
2018
Dorsal BNST α2A-Adrenergic Receptors Produce HCN-Dependent Excitatory Actions That Initiate Anxiogenic Behaviors
Harris NA, Isaac AT, Günther A, Merkel K, Melchior J, Xu M, Eguakun E, Perez R, Nabit BP, Flavin S, Gilsbach R, Shonesy B, Hein L, Abel T, Baumann A, Matthews R, Centanni SW, Winder DG. Dorsal BNST α2A-Adrenergic Receptors Produce HCN-Dependent Excitatory Actions That Initiate Anxiogenic Behaviors. Journal Of Neuroscience 2018, 38: 8922-8942. PMID: 30150361, PMCID: PMC6191524, DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.0963-18.2018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsExcitatory actionAnxiety-like behaviorBed nucleusNeuronal activityAdrenergic receptorsCation channelsEffective treatment modalityDorsal bed nucleusHyperpolarization-activated cyclicCell-specific actionsSubstance use disordersReward-related behaviorsDrug-seeking behaviorDrugs of abuseTreatment of addictionAntidepressant actionBNST neuronsAnxiolytic actionDorsal BNSTTreatment modalitiesReceptor agonistAgonist guanfacineAnxiogenic behaviorStria terminalisClinical utility
Academic Achievements & Community Involvement
News & Links
News
- September 09, 2024
Fostering the Next Generation: Rafael Perez
- February 26, 2023
Yale Black Postdoctoral Association Reveal Banner Series
- February 14, 2022
#TraineeTuesday: Rafael Perez, PhD
- December 21, 2021
LaShae Nicholson and Rafael Perez Receive Kavli Postdoctoral Award for Academic Diversity
Get In Touch
Contacts
Mailing Address
Psychiatry
34 Park Street,, 3rd floor research
New Haven, CT 06508
United States