Electronic Theses and Dissertations Archive

Date

2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Psychology

Committee Chair

Deranda Lester

Committee Member

David Freeman

Committee Member

Helen Sable

Abstract

Oxytocin (OXT) is a potential therapeutic target for substance use disorders due to its modulatory effects on mesolimbic dopamine function. While OXT activity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) influences dopamine release, the receptor mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. Oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) and vasopressin 1A receptors (V1aRs) are both expressed in the NAc and may differentially regulate dopamine function. This study examined how selective activation and blockade of OXTRs and V1aRs within the NAc modulate phasic and tonic dopamine release using in vivo amperometry in male and female mice. Intra-NAc OXT decreased phasic, but not tonic, dopamine release. Similarly, activation of OXTRs using the selective agonist TGOT reduced phasic dopamine release, while V1aR antagonism blocked the attenuating effect of OXT on phasic dopamine release. These findings highlight receptor-specific mechanisms underlying OXT regulation of dopamine within reward circuitry and may inform targeted approaches for addiction.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest/Clarivate.

Notes

Open Access

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