Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifier

2438

Date

2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Psychology

Concentration

General Psychology

Committee Chair

Charles D. Blaha

Committee Member

Melloni Cook

Committee Member

Randy G. Floyd

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant impairments in social-interaction, repetitive behavior, and early onset. Several neuropathologies exist in individuals with ASD including cerebellar hypoplasia, a reduction in Purkinje cells, and an enlargement of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). These abnormalities have been found to alter dopamine (DA) neurotransmission in the mPFC and contribute to repetitive behaviors and cognitive deficits commonly found in ASD. The nigrostriatal pathway provides DA to the striatum where it acts to modulate proper action selection and motor control. Research now suggests that th cerebellum may modulate nigrostriatal DA release in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) where habitual behavior seems to be manifested. Through the application of fixed potential amperometry we observed dentate nucleus stimulation-evoked DA release in the DLS of Fragile X mice. Results indicate that the cerebellum modulates small amounts of DA release both in Fmr1 KO and wild-type mice.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to the local University of Memphis Electronic Theses & dissertation (ETD) Repository.

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