Improving dopamine monitoring with NCAM and the effects of intranasal oxytocin on dopamine signaling in the rat brain

<p>Dopamine (DA) is a neurohormone highly involved in learning and memory. Oxytocin (OXT), another neurohormone, has also been implicated in learning and memory. Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a method used for the real-time examination of DA neurotransmission in the brain. Implanting FSCV electrodes is an invasive technique that likely results in an inflammatory response (i.e. gliosis) that can restrict FSCV recording of DA signals. Neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) may reduce gliosis and potentially improve the ability of FSCV electrodes to monitor DA signaling. Chapter 1 Methods: FSCV electrodes were coated with NCAM and implanted in the rat brain. Non-NCAM coated electrodes were implanted in the contralateral hemisphere. Electrode recoveries (stability of electrode signals) were monitored for 8 weeks post surgery. Chapter 1 Results: NCAM coated electrodes stabilized sooner than their control counterparts (n=8). Chapter 2 Methods: FSCV electrodes were implanted in the rat brain and DA signals were experimentally evoked (i.e. electrically stimulated). Once clear DA signals were evoked and recorded, rats were exposed to intranasal OXT (n=3) or saline (n=3) and OXTinduced changes DA signaling was monitored for 1 h. Chapter 2 Results: Intranasal OXT increased DA signaling (i.e. peak height of DA current), relative to controls. Conclusions: NCAM coating expedites the ability of FSCV electrodes to monitor DA signaling in the rat brain. In addition, intranasal OXT increases DA neurotransmission, elucidating a potential mechanism for a modulatory role of OXT in learning and memory.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2019

Author dc:creator

• Ginder, Darren Earl

• Hormones, Hormone Substitutes, and Hormone Antagonists
• Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
• Other Neuroscience and Neurobiology

Statement dc:rights

• Access is available to all users

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/555

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1557