Role of the estrous cycle and nucleus accumbens signaling on incubation of oxycodone craving in female rats

摘要 中脑边缘区，包括丘脑核（NAc）介导的动机属性， 食物、性和药物奖励，以及与它们配对的线索。已充分证实 卵巢激素影响动机（Yoest等，2014），并有效地调节NAc功能， 可塑性（Cyr等人，2001; Le Saux等人，2006; Peterson等人，2015年）。此外， NAc中的传递对于动机性行为的启动是必不可少的。NAc的监管 卵巢激素引起的兴奋性突触可塑性被认为是动机反应的基础 食物和药物奖励（Becker和Hu，2008; Sinclair等人，2017年）。然而，机制 卵巢激素对NAc功能和动机的潜在调节作用较差 明白因此，拟议研究的目标是将联合收割机的行为、生化和 了解卵巢激素如何影响动机和NAc的电生理学方法 功能这些研究不仅可以更好地了解卵巢激素在 动机和NAC功能，但他们也将提供培训和准备，我的独立 研究生涯。

Abstract Mesolimbic regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediate the motivational properties of food, sex, and drug rewards, as well as cues that are paired with them. It is well established that ovarian hormones influence motivation (Yoest et al., 2014) and potently regulate NAc function and plasticity (Cyr et al., 2001; Le Saux et al., 2006; Peterson et al., 2015). In addition, glutamatergic transmission in the NAc is essential for the initiation of motivated behaviors. The regulation of NAc glutamatergic synaptic plasticity by ovarian hormones is proposed to underlie motivational responses to food and drug rewards (Becker and Hu, 2008; Sinclair et al., 2017). However, the mechanisms underlying the modulatory role of ovarian hormones on NAc function and motivation are poorly understood. Thus, the goal of the proposed studies is to combine behavioral, biochemical and electrophysiological approaches to understand how ovarian hormones influence motivation and NAc function. These studies will not only provide a better understanding of the role of ovarian hormones in motivation and NAc function, but they will also provide training and preparation for my independent research career.