Visualizing Dopamine Activity in Deletion of D2 Receptors in Medium Spiny Neurons

Author

Kunhee Lee, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

9-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.S.

Program

Cognitive Neuroscience

Advisor

Jeff Beeler

Subject Categories

Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms | Genetic Phenomena | Neurosciences

Keywords

D2 RECEPTOR, DOPAMINE, THRIFT HYPOTHESIS, ENERGY REGULATION

Abstract

Dopamine has been implicated in motivated behaviors and reinforcement learning. In this study, we are looking at the role of dopamine in allocating efforts when obtaining reward. Using Cre recombinase genetic tool, D2 receptors in striatal indirect pathway neurons were selectively deleted, and dopamine signal was recorded in ventral striatum using fiber photometry. Behaviorally, D2 receptor deletion resulted in less effort in a Progressive Ratio (PR) paradigm shown by decreased breakpoint, number of presses, and reward pellets earned. Due to the previous evidence that dopamine positively modulates effort, we hypothesized that there would be less dopamine release in D2 deleted mice when the reward was given. However, increased dopamine release is observed in D2 receptor deletion during the cue presentation of the reward although it is not statistically significant.

Recommended Citation

Lee, Kunhee, "Visualizing Dopamine Activity in Deletion of D2 Receptors in Medium Spiny Neurons" (2023). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5540