Research Interests
Research focuses on understanding pharmacological mechanisms that subserve learning and executive function; interactions of decision making and behavioral flexibility; animal models of neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., drug addiction, schizophrenia).
Current Research
Our current work is focused on identification of pro-cognitive drugs and their related pathways that are relevant for schizophrenia, examining hormonal/sex interactions with psychotropic medications, and understanding common mechanisms surrounding food reward and drug addiction (e.g., cannabinoids).
Publications
- Cincotta SL, Yorek MS, Moschak TM, Lewis SR, Rodefer JS. Selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists: potential therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders with cognitive dysfunction. Curr Opin Investig Drugs. 9(1):47-56. (2008)
- Rodefer JS, Nguyen TN, Karlsson JJ, Arnt J. Reversal of subchronic PCP-induced deficits in attentional set shifting in rats by sertindole and a 5-HT6 receptor antagonist: comparison among antipsychotics. Neuropsychopharmacology. 33(11):2657-66. (2008)
- Rodefer JS, Nguyen TN. Naltrexone reverses age-induced cognitive deficits in rats. Neurobiol Aging. 29(2):309-13. (2008)
- Ng CW, Noblejas MI, Rodefer JS, Smith CB, Poremba A. Double dissociation of attentional resources: prefrontal versus cingulate cortices. J Neurosci. 27(45):12123-31. (2007)
- Rodefer JS, Murphy ER, Baxter MG. PDE10A inhibition reverses subchronic PCP-induced deficits in attentional set-shifting in rats. Eur J Neurosci. 21(4):1070-6. (2005)
- Rowlett JK, Rodefer JS, Spealman RD. Self-Administration of cocaine-opioid combinations by rhesus monkeys: evaluation of the role of mu receptor efficacy using labor supply analysis. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 312(3):1289-97. (2005)
- Chen KC, Baxter MG, Rodefer JS. Central blockade of muscarinic cholinergic receptors disrupts affective and attentional set-shifting. Eur J Neurosci. 20(4):1081-8. (2004)