dc.creator | Garcia, Efrain Eduardo | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2020-08-21T21:06:20Z | |
dc.date.available | 2008-04-20 | |
dc.date.issued | 2007-04-20 | |
dc.identifier.uri | https://etd.library.vanderbilt.edu/etd-03072007-170823 | |
dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/1803/10689 | |
dc.description.abstract | Extensive evidence suggests that 5-HT2 receptors may play a role in mental disorders including schizophrenia, depression and psychosis. In addition, several studies indicate that Gq-coupled 5-HT2A family of receptors are likely targets for the initiation of events leading to the hallucinogenic behavior elicited by lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), (+/-)1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane (DOI), and related drugs. However, 5-HT2A receptors couple to other G proteins in addition to Gq protein. To evaluate the role of the Gq signaling pathway in DOI-induced behaviors, we utilized two behavioral models of 5-HT2A receptor activation: induction of head-twitches by DOI, a common response to hallucinogenic drugs in rodents, and DOI elicited anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus maze. Experimental subjects were genetically modified mice [Gq(-/-)] in which the gene is eliminated by heterologous recombination. Gq(-/-) mice exhibited a decrease in DOI-induced head-twitches, when compared to wild-type littermates. In addition, the DOI-induced increase in anxiolytic-like behavior was abolished in Gq(-/-) mice. These results, combined with our finding that DOI-induced FOS expression in the medial prefrontal cortex was also eliminated in Gq(-/-) mice, suggests a key role for Gq protein in hallucinogenic drug effects. | |
dc.format.mimetype | application/pdf | |
dc.subject | Head-twitch respnse | |
dc.subject | Elevated plus maze | |
dc.subject | Gq | |
dc.subject | 5-HT2A receptors | |
dc.subject | Hallucinogens | |
dc.subject | c-fos | |
dc.subject | Serotonin--Receptors--Effect of drugs on | |
dc.subject | G proteins--Mechanism of action | |
dc.title | Unraveling the Role of G-proteins in Hallucinogenic Drug Action | |
dc.type | dissertation | |
dc.contributor.committeeMember | Elaine Sanders-Bush | |
dc.contributor.committeeMember | Craig Kennedy | |
dc.contributor.committeeMember | Heidi Hamm | |
dc.contributor.committeeMember | Ron emeson | |
dc.type.material | text | |
thesis.degree.name | PHD | |
thesis.degree.level | dissertation | |
thesis.degree.discipline | Pharmacology | |
thesis.degree.grantor | Vanderbilt University | |
local.embargo.terms | 2008-04-20 | |
local.embargo.lift | 2008-04-20 | |
dc.contributor.committeeChair | Randy Blakely | |