Obesity has reached pandemic proportions and is associated with severe comorbidities,
such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatic and cardiovascular diseases, and certain cancer …

The neuropeptide orexin/hypocretin (OX), while largely transcribed within the hypothalamus,
is released throughout the brain to affect complex behaviors. Primarily through the …

Dopamine signaling from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays critical roles in reward-
related behaviors, but less is known about the functions of neighboring VTA GABAergic …

Orexin (also known as hypocretin) neurons are considered a key component of the
ascending arousal system. They are active during wakefulness, at which time they drive and …

We recently found that non-stressed female rats have higher basal prepro-orexin expression
and activation of orexinergic neurons compared to non-stressed males, which lead to …

Disorders of sleep and wakefulness occur in the majority of individuals who have
experienced traumatic brain injury (TBI), with increased sleep need and excessive daytime …

Cognitive function represents a key determinative factor for independent functioning among
the elderly, especially among those with age-related cognitive disorders. However; existing …

Diseases associated with nicotine dependence in the form of habitual tobacco use are a
major cause of premature death in the United States. The majority of tobacco smokers will …

Background: The hypothalamus harbors high levels of cholinergic neurons and axon
terminals. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play an important role in cholinergic …

Pathological impulsivity is encountered in a broad range of psychiatric conditions and is
thought to be a risk factor for aggression directed against oneself or others. Recently, a …