Sex Difference in Cocaine-Induced Impulsivity

Project Title

Sex Difference in Cocaine-Induced Impulsivity: Contribution of the Mesocorticolimbic Dopamine System and Estradiol

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

Substance use disorder (SUD) presents a major public health crisis in the United States. Studies have linked impulsivity as a risk factor and increasing evidence suggests females progress more rapidly to SUD.  We speculate this difference may be related to observed sex differences in drug-induced impulsivity.  Notably, mesocorticolimbic dopamine signaling is important for reward perception and impulsive behavior. Moreover, drug-induced increases in synaptic dopamine are mediated by estradiol. In this study we assess the effects of estradiol and progesterone on the performance of female rats on the 5-choice serial reaction time task. This task assesses an animal’s impulsive behavior, based on the response displayed after the presentation of a light stimulus signaling a possible food reward. We hypothesized that increased estradiol would potentiate cocaine- induced impulsivity, and increased progesterone would mitigate these effects. We will assess the effects of these hormones on cocaine-induced impulsive behavior and dopamine-related protein expression in the mesocorticolimbic pathway.
 

Why is your research important?

The findings from this study will aid in the understanding of the involvement of ovarian hormones in the SUD mechanism, as well as assist in the development of more effective treatments for this disorder.
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

My research takes place in the Paine Lab, where I work in collaboration with Ingrid Cassel and Marley Cox to collect behavioral data from rats performing the 5-choice serial reaction time task. When I am not collecting behavioral data, I am performing western blot analysis to assess the dopamine-related protein expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, caudate putamen, and nucleus accumbens in the brains of rats who have completed behavioral testing.
 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I have presented this honors thesis project through my written thesis proposal and presentation, as well as have presented at the neuroscience Research Tea to fellow students and professors in the department. I also presented the findings in my final written thesis, and at the Oberlin College Undergraduate Research Symposium and Research Seminars.
 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I was excited by the possibility of gaining a deeper understanding of topics I had encountered in my neuroscience classes in a more hands-on, independent setting. Further, I was intrigued by the lab’s investigations of pharmacology and behavior which motivated me to reach out to my current mentor.
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

I have enjoyed the opportunity to make connections between current social issues, existing literature in the field and my own curiosities about neuroscience. I have been challenged to think critically and creatively, and have enjoyed working collaboratively with my lab team to problem solve and investigate new questions.
 

How has working with your mentor impacted the development of your research project? How has it impacted you as a researcher?

My mentor’s guidance has greatly impacted my understanding of the research process, and has fostered my growth as a researcher and my passion for scientific inquiry. Her feedback has shaped my ability to question my findings and my approach to developing explanations for unexpected results.
 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

This project has greatly honed my critical thinking and science communication skills, and has deepened my understanding of neuroscience concepts and methodologies used in behavioral and neuropharmacology research. This has laid a solid foundation for my future endeavors in neuroscience research and has strengthened my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience in the future.
 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

I would advise younger students to reach out to students and professors who are conducting research that interests them. Be open to trying new things! All experiences can be learning experiences :)