Analyzing the optogenetically stimulated neurons in the Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST) region of mice through behavioral testing and cell analysis

Public project summary

This research aims to simulate the stimulation of an areas of the brain so that it can be used as a template for other experiments. Building upon previous studies that focused on how the reward centers of the brain are affected by stimuli from other regions of the brain, the study research will involve analyzing the optogenetically stimulated neurons in the BNST (Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis) region of mice through behavioral testing and cell analysis. The behavioral testing will be used to analyze whether or not the stimulation was rewarding. After that, the cells in the lateral hypothalamus will be analyzed to see if there is an increase in hypocretin activity. This can show how the stimulation affected the sleep-arousal system.