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Elucidating The Role Of The Α7 Nicotinic Receptor In The Etiology Of Schizophrenia., Michelle Johnson Chandley
Elucidating The Role Of The Α7 Nicotinic Receptor In The Etiology Of Schizophrenia., Michelle Johnson Chandley
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The α7 subunit of the nicotinic receptor, a ligand gated ion channel with an affinity for nicotine, has long been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia due to the extremely high rate of smoking within the patient population. However, the exact role of the receptor has never fully been determined. In the following studies, various functions the receptor may assume in disease state are evaluated. There is a strong relationship between the immune system and schizophrenia, with the α7 subunit possibly serving as the link between the two. One of the following studies looks at the possibility of the receptor …
Sex Differences In Nicotine-Conditioned Hyperactivity In A Model Of Dopamine D2 Receptor Priming: Roles Of Dopamine D2 And D3 Receptor Subtypes., Ashley Brianna Sheppard
Sex Differences In Nicotine-Conditioned Hyperactivity In A Model Of Dopamine D2 Receptor Priming: Roles Of Dopamine D2 And D3 Receptor Subtypes., Ashley Brianna Sheppard
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of a nicotine-conditioned context on locomotor hyperactivity in an animal model of D2-priming, and whether conditioned hyperactivity could be blocked by the D2 antagonist eticlopride or the D3 antagonist nafadotride. D2-primed male rats showed enhanced nicotine sensitization as evidenced by statistically significant differences in horizontal activity. D2-primed female rats administered nicotine demonstrated an increased hypoactive response after initial sensitization and increased stereotypy. Eticlopride and nafadotride blocked sensitization to nicotine in both D2-primed and non D2-primed males and females. Eticlopride blocked conditioned hyperactivity in females but not in males. D2-primed female …