Amphetamine Sensitization and <em>in vivo</em> Microdialysis of the Nucleus Accumbens Core of Adult Male and Female Rats D2-Primed as Neonates.

<p>Neonatal administration of quinpirole produces significant increases in D₂ receptor sensitivity that persists into adulthood. This phenomenon, known as D₂ receptor priming, is consistent with pathology in schizophrenia. Rats were administered quinpirole or saline postnatally and raised to adulthood. In adulthood, rats were administered d-amphetamine sulfate or saline every other day and were placed in a locomotor arena where activity was measured over 7 trials. Results showed that D₂-primed rats receiving amphetamine were higher in locomotor activity across all days of testing compared to other groups. This effect was more prominent in males than in females. After sensitization, cerebrospinal fluid was taken via microdialysis from the nucleus accumbens core and was analyzed for dopamine content. Analysis revealed D₂ priming produced a 300% increase of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core in response to amphetamine compared to controls. These results suggest that increases in D₂ sensitivity may lead to increased reaction to amphetamine in psychotic individuals.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MA (Master of Arts)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Cope, Zackary Adam

• D2 Priming
• Quinpirole
• Schizophrenia
• Amphetamine
• Psychostimulant
• Microdialysis
• Sensitization
• Sex Differences
• Life Sciences
• Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
• Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1953

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3305