Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
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
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Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Genetic Phenomena Commons, Neurosciences Commons