Do circulating ovarian hormones affect cocaine-induced impulsivity?

Project Title

Do circulating ovarian hormones affect cocaine-induced impulsivity?

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

Substance use disorder (SUD) remains a pressing public health issue in the US. Impulsivity contributes to the development of SUD. Notably, females progress to SUD more rapidly than males; an effect known as the “telescoping” effect. We hypothesize that the telescoping effect is due to sex differences in cocaine-induced impulsivity, which may be mediated by ovarian hormones in females. To test, rats were trained on the Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL) task and effects of cocaine on impulsivity were assessed in male rats, female rats in either a high or low estrogen state. We replicated our previous observation that sex influenced the effect of cocaine on the total number of presses and press rate but estrogen level only affected the average latency to respond. These findings could provide insights on increased cocaine-induced impulsivity in female drug users, potentially leading to more targeted therapeutic interventions.
 

Why is your research important?

Substance use disorder is a growing issue in the United States, with impulsivity playing a pivotal factor in this disorder's development. By testing the behavior of female and male rats, we can understand increasing female substance use disorder and identify factors that may play a part in impulsivity such as ovarian hormones in order to potentially develop treatment interventions. 
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

I often run a behavioral task called the Differential Reinforcement of Low Rates of Responding (DRL) task, which is where we train the rats to press a lever for a sugar pellet reward. In addition, I run vaginal lavages in the females to identify the estrus cycle (hormonal cycle) of the female rats. Using the vaginal lavages and DRL task data, I observe the effects of cocaine impulsivity in both female and male rats.
 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

Based on our data, we have replicated our previous findings that the total number of presses and press rate was caused by sex influencing effects of cocaine. Levels of estrogen are affected only by average latency response.
 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I presented my research work at the Midwest & Great Lakes Undergraduate Research Symposium in Neuroscience (mGluRs) and Oberlin College Research Symposium. These opportunities have strengthened my experience as a researcher because it allows me to share our experimental question, process, and findings to a large community of curious students and faculty.

 

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

I feel fortunate to have joined Professor Paine's lab as a STRONG scholar through the STRONG (Science and Technology Research Opportunities for a New Generation) program. Research was a field that I was always interested in exploring as I am drawn into applying my academic knowledge from the classroom towards the research world to advance scientific knowledge!
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

My favorite aspect of my research is being able to see progression of our research project from planning out the experiment to presenting our findings at symposiums. I enjoy the opportunity to be a part of a team that is working to use our knowledge to create experiments and analyze data that can develop into findings that may not have been found before.
 

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

Working under Professor Paine, I have developed strong foundational skills as a researcher including independently running experiments, learning how to collaborate in a small team, and participating in journal club article discussions that could be useful for our understanding deeper into our research and future paper publications. Research has been a core part of who I am as both a researcher and individual because it has built a foundation of skills that can be useful in the future scientific world, and connects me to a world of other passionate researchers who share the same excitement to discuss their research!
 

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

Doing research has enabled me to apply my academic learning to my research project as it has grown an avenue of learning and experiences that help me advance my career goals and settings. I have also been able to connect with students and faculty that share the same research passion and enthusiasm for advancing science.
 

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

My advice would be to talk to upperclassmen, mentors, and look into different research projects before choosing what research you want to be a part of. You should be interested and passionate in what you are studying to grow your research career and goals.