Caylor Hafen

Dr. Caylor Hafen

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GJGavin Conner Jones
Gavin Conner Jones
CSChristina Small
Christina Small
DODallin Z. Otteson
Dallin Z. Otteson
CHCaylor Hafen
Caylor Hafen
JBJacob Breinholt
Jacob Breinholt
KBKyle B Bills
Kyle B Bills
Peripheral mechanoreceptor-based treatments such as acupuncture and chiropractic manipulation have shown success in modulating the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system originating in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the midbrain and projecting to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of the striatum. We have previously shown that mechanoreceptor activation via whole-body vibration (WBV) ameliorates neuronal and behavioral effects of chronic ethanol exposure. In this study, we employ a similar paradigm to assess the efficacy of WBV as a preventative measure of neuronal and behavioral effects of morphine withdrawal in a Wistar rat model. We demonstrate that concurrent administration of WBV at 80 Hz with morphine over a 5-day period significantly reduced adaptations in VTA GABA neuronal activity and NAc DA release and modulated expression of δ-opioid receptors (DORs) on NAc cholinergic interneurons (CINs) during withdrawal. We also observed a reduction in behavior typically associated with opioid withdrawal. WBV represents a promising adjunct to current intervention for opioid use disorder (OUD) and should be examined translationally in humans.

1 February 2026 in The American Journal of Pathology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CSChristina Small
Christina Small
JOJ. Daniel Obray
J. Daniel Obray
CRCharles R. Roll
Charles R. Roll
PWPacen E. Williams
Pacen E. Williams
KSKathryn J. Smith
Kathryn J. Smith
SSScott C. Steffensen
Scott C. Steffensen