Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Commons^™

Real-World Impact Of Amiodarone On Apixaban Population Pharmacokinetics In Hospitalized Patients, Samantha Kolowrat, Chazmyn Riley, Kevin Lam, Lynda Thomson, Douglas F. Stickle, Walter K. Kraft

Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Cancer Biology Faculty Papers

Despite common coadministration in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), there is minimal evidence regarding the impact of concomitant amiodarone use on apixaban pharmacokinetics (PK). We described the population PK of apixaban (2.5 and 5mg twice daily) in 106 hospitalized patients with and without concomitant amiodarone administration at steady state. Apixaban PK was reasonably described by a one-compartment model with first-order absorption and linear elimination. Aside from the receipt of amiodarone, age was retained as a statistically significant covariate on apparent clearance. Model-based simulations depicted concomitant amiodarone use increasing AUCT for both 2.5mg (1.58, 90% CI [1.28, 1.87]) and 5mg (1.12, 90% …

Predictive Gene Expression Signatures For Alzheimer's Disease Using Post-Mortem Brain Tissue, Ashley Duche, Oliver Tan, Andrius Baskys, Rachita K. Sumbria, Moom R. Roosan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and tau protein aggregates in the brain. These pathological features manifest in specific regions, but mechanisms rendering some areas more susceptible to early AD-related changes remain poorly understood. To address this, we developed predictive gene expression signatures to explore molecular mechanisms underlying regional vulnerability to AD pathology.

Methods: Post-mortem brain tissues from participants of the Religious Orders Study and Memory and Aging Project (ROSMAP), Mayo Clinic, and Mount Sinai Brain Bank (MSBB) were used to derive gene expression signatures from six brain regions affected at varying …

The 9th Annual Lafora Science Symposium: A Rare Epilepsy Community Makes Progress Towards Clinical Readiness, Meredith I. Williams, Katherine J. Donahue, Pascual Sanz, Souad Messahel, Jose M. Serratosa, Jordi Duran, Roberto Michelucci, Lorenzo Muccioli, Antonio Delgado-Escueta, Viet-Hong Nguyen, Berge A. Minassian, Matthew S. Gentry

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Lafora disease (LD) is a fatal childhood progressive myoclonus epilepsy and glycogen storage disease that is caused by recessive mutations in either EPM2A or EPM2B. The hallmarks of LD are cytoplasmic, aberrant glycogen-like aggregates, called Lafora bodies (LBs), that drive disease progression. The 9th Annual Lafora Science Symposium was held in San Diego, California and brought together over 70 researchers, clinicians, academic trainees, and friends and family members of patients with LD and 80 attendees joined virtually. This symposium focused primarily on international collaborations for therapeutic development and biomarker identification and strategies for preparing the Lafora community for upcoming …

Enhancing Cataract Surgery Outcomes: Optimal Use Of Pre- And Post-Operative Eye Drops, Keith Skolnick M.D., Anu Valiaveedu

Mako: NSU Undergraduate Student Journal

Many preoperative and postoperative cataract patients struggle with comprehending the use of prescription medication as directed. Language barriers and low health literacy levels are major factors contributing to improper use of prescriptions. To increase patients comprehension, the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute employed an educational intervention consisting of a live presentation and an instructional video. Results found that 44% of patients were hesitant to ask questions to clinical staff, 32% felt overwhelmed, and nearly 70% lacked confidence in using their prescribed eye drops. Following the intervention, 91% of patients reported increased confidence in their medications, and most indicated that the video …

Utilizing Pharmacogenomics To Improve Students' Self-Perception On The Interprofessional Competencies Of Roles And Responsibilities, And Teams And Teamwork, Amanda Brown, Moom R. Roosan, Robert Goldsteen, Scott D. Ochs, Reza Taheri

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) is an emerging discipline with the potential to revolutionize personalized medicine, but its successful implementation requires interprofessional collaboration. To address this need, a virtual interprofessional education (IPE) session was designed for student pharmacists and medical students to engage in a case-based learning experience.

Objective

The primary objective was to develop and implement an IPE activity focused on a patient case requiring PGx-guided dual antiplatelet therapy and to assess students' perceptions of two Interprofessional Education Collaborative (IPEC) Version 3 Core Competencies. A secondary objective was to identify key lessons from the session.

Methods

Pharmacist and physician faculty collaboratively …

Targeting Obesity: The Role Of Glp-1 Receptor Agonists In Achieving Sustainable Weight Loss, Brad Vamplew

Lynchburg Journal of Medical Science

This review critically evaluates the effectiveness of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist pharmacotherapy in managing obesity. Obesity is a health epidemic that affects 100 million Americans, and it puts individuals at higher risk for numerous health comorbidities over a lifetime. A comprehensive literature review was completed by utilizing PubMed and its clinical queries function to locate relevant research. The research information was narrowed down with a focus on obesity management and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists for therapy. Numerous current clinical studies and trials were incorporated into this review. Many clinical trials substantiated the benefits of this pharmacotherapy for the management of …

Concurrent Use Of Skeletal Muscle Relaxants And Nsaids In Low Back Pain Management: A Critical Review Of Current Evidence And Future Directions, Rupesh A. Saindane, Nilima A. Thombre

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Low back pain (LBP) represents a leading cause of non-fatal disability globally. Its high prevalence and disabling nature highlight the urgent need for effective management strategies. The exact cause of LBP still remains unclear, and thus, its treatment remains symptomatic. LBP is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and skeletal muscle relaxants (SMRs). These agents are frequently used in combination to target both inflammation and muscle spasms. However, the clinical guidelines vary widely on the recommendation for the use of such combination therapy. The present review evaluates evidence from randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews on the concurrent use …

Therapeutic Hurdles In Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Leukemic Stem Cells, Inflammation And Immune Dysfunction, Bofei Wang, Patrick K Reville, Hussein A Abbas

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive and highly heterogeneous hematological malignancy characterized by clonal expansion and differentiation arrest in myeloid progenitor cells. Despite advancements in chemotherapy, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and post-remission maintenance therapies, the long-term survival remains unsatisfactory with high rates of relapse and refractory. These therapeutic challenges are mediated by multiple factors, including the complexity of the cellular hierarchies in AML, the interaction of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) with the bone marrow niche, inflammation, and immune evasion mechanisms. Further, the absence of specific surface markers that distinguish LSCs from normal hematopoietic stem cells, together with LSCs' …

Targeting Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase (Nnos) As A Novel Approach To Enhancing The Anti-Melanoma Activity Of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Anika R. Patel, Shirley Tong, Kate Alison Lozada, Amardeep Awasthi, Richard B. Silverman, Jennifer Totonchy, Sun Yang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Background and Objectives: Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) overexpressed in melanoma plays a critical role in disease progression. Our previous studies demonstrated that nNOS inhibitors exhibited potent anti-melanoma activity and regulated PD-L1 expressions in the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). However, the role of nNOS in the melanoma immune response has not been well defined. Methods: Changes in gene expression profiles after nNOS inhibitor treatment were determined by transcriptomic analysis. A melanoma mouse model was used to determine the effects of nNOS inhibition on peripheral T cells and the in vivo anti-tumor activity of combining nNOS inhibitors with immune …

A Review Of Mirvetuximab Soravtansine-Gynx In Folate Receptor Alpha-Expressing Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer, Judith A Smith, Patrick Medina, Mary Miao, Kathleen N Moore

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Purpose: To evaluate the pharmacology, efficacy, safety, and dosing and administration considerations (including adjusted ideal body weight [AIBW] dosing) for mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx, a first-in-class folate receptor alpha (FRα)-directed antibody-drug conjugate for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (PROC).

Summary: A literature search was conducted in PubMed using the terms "ovarian cancer" and "mirvetuximab soravtansine" of articles published from inception to April 16, 2024. Relevant publications, abstracts, and clinical trials were reviewed. Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx is dosed at 6 mg/kg AIBW every 3 weeks and comprises an FRα-binding antibody, a hydrophilic disulfide linker, and a maytansinoid DM4 payload. Mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx binds to FRα, which induces …

Pcsk-9 Inhibitors Treatment: The Cardiovascular Disparity, Julia Lees, Seana-Pierre Williams, Tahir Razzaq, Michael B. Roberts

The Journal of Integrated Primary Care

Introduction: According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Heart Association (AHA), cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. This phenomenon disproportionally affects the African American population, who have a 31% higher mortality rate than non-Hispanic Caucasian individuals. A retrospective review of PCSK-9 medication use, specifically in a patient population that had minimal representation in the large, landmark clinical trials, can lead to better understanding about the therapeutic potential in cardiovascular disease reduction and patient outcomes attributed to medication use. Education regarding this novel drug class, medication access and patient support, …

Sickle Cell Mice Exhibit Elevated Plasma Bilirubin And Altered Intracranial Cerebral Blood Velocities That Are Exacerbated By Hypoxia-Reoxygenation, Francisco J. Nunez, Ashraf M. Mohieldin, Amy Y. Pan, Sean P. Palecek, Rahima Zennadi, Ramani Ramchandran, Kevin R. Rarick, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder characterized by sickle red blood cells (RBCs). Sickle RBCs cause cerebral vasculopathies including vaso-occlusive events, leading to ischemia-reperfusion injury and hypoxic tissue environment. To date, the physiological blood flow velocities in cerebral vessels of preclinical SCD models has not been evaluated under hypoxic-reoxygenation. In our study, we used transcranial ultrasound techniques to measure abnormal blood flow velocities in the internal carotid (ICA) and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) of transgenic sickle cell mice (SS) challenged with hypoxia-reoxygenation. Our study showed that SS mice that underwent hypoxic stress exhibited lower relative mean velocities in …

Patterns In Antibiotic Susceptibility Before And After Covid-19, Jessica Freely

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge in antibiotic use, despite the viral nature of the disease. This widespread and often unnecessary use of antibiotics poses a serious threat on global health by accelerating the development of antibiotic resistance. Healthcare professionals utilize strategies, including Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) and the use of antibiograms to mitigate the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Antibiograms are tools used in healthcare settings to summarize and track bacterial susceptibility to various antibiotics. They provide clinicians critical information to guide selection of effective antibiotic treatment and monitor resistance trends overtime. The Centers for Disease Control and …

Evaluating The Therapeutic Potential Of Geranylgeranyl Diphosphate Synthase Inhibitor, Ram2061, In Myeloma Bone Disease, Molly Muehlebach

Theses & Dissertations

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy of the plasma cells which often results in lytic bone disease. Myeloma bone disease (MBD), characterized by diffuse osteopenia, bone lesions, or pathological fracture, results from MM mediated promotion of osteoclast resorption and dual inhibition of bone formation, drastically reducing bone strength and integrity. Development of MBD is known to significantly impact patient quality of life and increase risk of mortality. Considering that up to 80-95% of MM patients are expected to develop bone disease post-initial MM diagnosis, there is a significant need within this population for therapeutics which address both MM disease …

Anti-Cancer Activity Of Marine-Derived Fucosylated Chondroitin Sulfates In Ovarian Cancer Cell Spheroid Formation And Notch Signaling Inhibition, Daniella Beiner

Honors Theses

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecological malignancy, with high recurrence rates driven by chemotherapy-resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs). Current therapeutics targeting Notch signaling to inhibit CSC formation have yet to demonstrate clinical benefit and pose risk of gastrointestinal toxicities. Here, we report that treatment with fucosylated chondroitin sulfates (FucCS) inhibited Notch signaling activation and spheroid formation in OVCAR3 ovarian cancer cells. Sulfation and fucosylation were shown to be key structural requirements of this anti-cancer activity. Moreover, this inhibition was synergistic with suppression of Notch glycosylation by Radical Fringe knockout. Preliminary experiments to conjugate FucCS to a maleimide linker in preparation …

The Endocannabinoid System's Influence And Modulation Of Nociception, Doreen M. Flannery

Honors Thesis

The anatomy and physiology of pain is a well-defined pathway where noxious stimuli is processed by different systems in the brain. The central research question of this review is how can we better understand the neurobiological effects pain has, and assess if there is therapeutic potential in using endocannabinoids to modulate these effects. Endocannabinoids are signaling molecules that play a key role at both the cellular and molecular level in modulating both acute and chronic pain by influencing different processes within each level that affect how the body responds to both internal and external stimuli. The endocannabinoid system is a …

The Legacy Of William M. Pardridge (1947–2024) On The Science And Fields Concerned With The Physiology Of The Blood-Brain Barrier And The Transport Of Drugs To The Brain, Ruben J. Boado, Ulrich Bickel, Rachita K. Sumbria

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

This article highlights the scientific achievements and professional career of William M. Pardridge, who passed away on 18th of June 2024. He was born in 1947 in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. William, known affectionately as Bill, was one of the most influential researchers in the blood-brain barrier (BBB) field. Bill’s research contributions to the field spun over 6 decades at the University of California, Los Angeles, and it was focused on the molecular physiology of the BBB, including the carrier-mediated transport of nutrients and small molecule drugs, the receptor-mediated transport of peptides and molecular Trojan horses, gene therapy of the brain …

Immune-Related Adverse Events Associated With Pembrolizumab In Dmmr/Msi-H Colorectal Cancer: A Single Arm Safety Meta-Analysis, Joshi Simran, Saman Javid, Gaurav Sharma, Corinne Caissie, Armando Dominguez-Diaz

Posters

Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor, enhances immune response and has proven effective against various cancers, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Clinical trials have also shown its efficacy in treating various types of cancers with different mismatch-repair statuses. However, the spectrum and frequency of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in the dMMR (deficient mismatch repair) / MSI-H (microsatellite instability-high) colorectal cancer remain underexplored.

Therefore, this meta-analysis aims to evaluate pembrolizumab's safety profile in this colorectal cancer subset.

Commencement Program 2025, Loma Linda University

Commencement Programs

CONTENTS

2 | Message from the President

3 | 2025 Events of Commencement

5 | The Academic Procession

6 | Institutional Administration

7 | Board of Trustees

8 | Significance of Academic Regalia

9 | University History Highlights

11 | Criteria for Institutional Awards

13 | Loma Linda University Health and Loma Linda University Honorees

The Programs, The School Honorees, and The Speakers

29 | School of Medicine

50 | School of Pharmacy

63 | School of Dentistry

81 | School of Public Health

94 | San Manuel Gateway College

101 | School of Allied Health Professions - Allied Health …

A Review Of Praziquantel Resistance In Schistosomes And The Future Of Schistosomiasis Control, Gabriela G. Eastham

Senior Honors Theses

Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma. Praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice to treat schistosomiasis for decades. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. Although there is currently insufficient evidence to conclude that schistosomes are becoming resistant to PZQ on a large scale, other control methods are a necessity to best treat and eliminate schistosomiasis. This article summarizes the …

Combined Inhibition Of Lysine-Specific Demethylase 1 And Kinase Signaling As A Preclinical Treatment Strategy In Glioblastoma, Lea Stitzlein

Dissertations and Theses (Open Access)

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults, with limited treatment options resulting in a poor prognosis. Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is overexpressed in glioblastoma and contributes to tumor growth and treatment resistance. Inhibitors of LSD1 have shown preclinical promise but have had limited clinical development for glioblastoma. Given the frequent kinase pathway alterations in glioblastoma, the interplay between LSD1 inhibition and kinase signaling pathways was investigated to identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited through rationally designed combination therapies. We hypothesized that LSD1 inhibitors would activate kinase signaling pathways, such as MAPK, and the addition of kinase …

Determining The Bioaccumulation Of Minor Cannabinoids In Zebrafish Larvae, Kamdyn A. Holt

Honors Theses

Due to the increasing prevalence of cannabis product availability and usage in the modern United States, particularly among pregnant individuals, evaluating the bioaccumulation of minor cannabinoids to further understand the adverse effects of cannabinoids during early development is critical. This study quantitated the uptake of eight minor cannabinoids ((∆8-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆8-THC), ∆9-THC, ∆10-THC, cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC)) in zebrafish larvae following water-borne 2 µM exposures from 6 to 96 hours post fertilization (hpf). Larvae were homogenized at 96 hpf and analyzed using a gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method developed in this study. Bioconcentration …

The Impact Of An Iron-Rich Diet On Fatigue In Menstruating Women With Non-Anemic Iron Deficiency, Meagan Seraydar, Lauren Latimer, Sam Miragliatto

Department of Nutrition Student Projects

Fatigue without diagnosed anemia is prevalent in menstruating women, with iron deficiency being a potential contributor. While iron supplementation is a standard intervention, dietary sources of iron may offer a sustainable alternative. This study aims to assess the impact of an iron-rich diet on fatigue levels in menstruating women. A 12-week randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted, assigning participants to either an iron-rich diet group or a control group following their usual diet without specific iron recommendations. Fatigue will be measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks, alongside iron status biomarkers, including …

Clinical Characteristics And Outcomes Of Pediatric Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (Ssss) At An Inner-City Tertiary Care Center, Nina Kb Gust Md, Ashley Frei Bs, Rebecca M. Adams Bs, Elika Ridelman Phd, Christina Shanti Md, Ronald Thomas Phd, Jocelyn Y. Ang Md

Medical Student Research Symposium

Introduction

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS) is a blistering skin condition caused by a toxin-producing staphylococcus species. Epidemiologic studies on pediatric SSSS in the United States are limited, with a reported incidence of 7.67 cases per million children and 45.1 per million infants. Immature renal function, lack of protective antibodies, and increased exotoxin target desmoglein-1 are hypothesized to increase incidence in younger children. We aimed to determine clinical and microbiological characteristics of pediatric SSSS and factors that could help predict disease severity.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed for admitted patients under 18 years old diagnosed with SSSS from …

Short-Course Subcutaneous Alemtuzumab Induces Clinical Responses In Relapsed T-Cell Large Granular Leukemia, Miguel Ruiz, Zachary Braunstein, Eric Mclaughlin, Anjali Mishra, Pierluigi Porcu, Jonathan E. Brammer

Department of Medical Oncology Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

The Medicine From Nature; Finding The Antibacterial Power Of Essential Oils, Josi Maness, Seoyeon Kim, Eric T. Gillock

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Essential oils are known to have pharmaceutical effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties. These days, there are various types of essential oils that are commonly used for coughing or to promote good sleep.

We prepared 19 different essential oils to find the essential oil that has the most antibiotic properties by putting drops of oil on a soy agar plate with Serratia marcescens. As a result, cinnamon cassia essential oil was most effective, and five of them didn't have antibiotic properties.

We also tested with six different types of antibiotics, and as a result, only three of them …

The Impact Of Cannabinoids On Reproductive Function, Daniel Hardy

Physiology and Pharmacology Publications

In brief: This review article summarizes the effects of pre- or peri-conceptual exposure to cannabinoids on female and male reproductive function, along with pregnancy outcomes from 2014 to 2024. In particular, it addresses the gaps in knowledge regarding the specific contributions of the major constituents of cannabis, THC and CBD, on reproduction. Abstract: With increased use of cannabis worldwide, especially in our young adult population, there is a great impetus to understand the impact of cannabis and its constituents (i.e. THC and CBD) on pregnancy, fetal outcomes and male and female reproductive function. This review assessed the current evidence (2014–2024) …

Cracking The Code Of Hbv Persistence: Cutting-Edge Approaches To Targeting Cccdna In Chronic Hepatitis B With Or Without Pyogenic Liver Abscesses, Umar Saeed, Zahra Zahid Piracha, Mahmood Khan, Muhammad Nouman Tariq, Syed Shahan Gilani, Muhammad Raza, Rakshana Munuswamy, Naveen Bose, Dilber Uzun Ozsahin, Ilker Özşahin, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a formidable global health challenge, driving severe liver complications such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pyogenic liver abscesses (PLA). At the core of HBV persistence lies covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), a viral reservoir that fuels ongoing infection despite antiviral treatments. This review highlights molecular mechanisms governing cccDNA formation, maintenance, and clearance, spotlighting innovative therapeutic strategies to disrupt this key viral element. We explore cutting-edge approaches, including epigenetic modulation to silence cccDNA, RNA interference (RNAi) for viral RNA degradation, and CRISPR/Cas genome editing to excise cccDNA directly. Additionally, emerging antiviral therapies and immunotherapies, …

Development Of A Multi-Epitope Peptide Vaccine Against Monkeypox Virus: Immunoinformatics Analysis For South East Asian Hla Alleles, Nelson Chandra, Mochammad Aqilah Herdiansyah, Viol Dhea Kharisma, Arif Nur Muhammad Ansori, Arli Aditya Parikesit

Makara Journal of Science

The monkeypox virus (MPXV), a DNA virus causing zoonotic disease, poses major global public health challenges, with mortality rates between 3%–6%. Although smallpox vaccines provide partial cross-protection, there is a critical need for a dedicated, effective monkeypox (mpox) vaccine. This study aimed to design a multi-epitope peptide-based vaccine specifically adapted to the HLA allele profiles common in Southeast Asian populations, where MPXV cases are rising. Using immunoinformatics, we screened for and detected B and T cell epitopes from the MPXV cell surface antigen and IFN-alpha/beta receptor proteins. The vaccine design was validated through a rigorous evaluation of its antigenicity, immunogenicity, …

Contraceptive Hormone Influences On The Role Of Primary Reinforcement And Reinforcer-Enhancement In Nicotine Self-Administration, Kathleen Robin Mcnealy

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Hormonal contraceptives contain a synthetic estrogen (e.g., ethinyl estradiol/EE) and/or a synthetic progestin (e.g., levonorgestrel/LEVO) and can exacerbate nicotine intake. However, whether altered intake reflects changes in nicotine reinforcement or enhancement by nicotine of co-occurring reinforcers is unknown. This reinforcer-enhancement effect is evidenced in rats when nicotine self-administration is increased by the presence of a visual stimulus (VS) reinforcer. This dissertation examined the effects of EE and LEVO on nicotine reinforcement and reinforcer-enhancement in ovary-intact female Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were implanted with a jugular catheter and assigned to receive daily injections of EE (Vehicle, 0.125 [Low], or 0.18 [High] μg/day; …