University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · PharmacologyThe Opioid Dynamics Lab
William T Birdsong · Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Focus
The Birdsong lab at the University of Michigan focuses on understanding how opioid receptors in the brain affect pain and reward behaviors. By studying specific neurons in the medial thalamus, the lab aims to uncover the mechanisms behind both pain relief and heightened sensitivity to pain after opioid withdrawal. This research has important implications for improving pain management strategies and reducing the risk of opioid misuse.
opioid receptorsmedial thalamuspain reliefhyperalgesiaopioid withdrawalneuron signalingbehavioral pharmacologymorphinethalamic circuits
Research Aims
3AIM 01Determine the population of medial thalamic neurons that express mu opioid receptors.
AIM 02Investigate activation patterns of mu opioid receptor-expressing neurons under hyperalgesic conditions.
AIM 03Explore the effects of inhibiting medial thalamic neurons on hyperalgesia.
Skills the Lab Values
electrophysiologyoptogeneticsbehavioral assays in miceimaging techniquesimmunofluorescencedata analysis with Pythoncell culturedrug administration methodsanatomical mapping
Output against the department
Publications36bottom 3% of dept.447th of 462
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations2.2kbottom 15% of dept.391st of 462
this lab
most citedleast cited
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