Date of Award
2011
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Neuroscience
Supervisor
Dr.Susanne Schmid
Abstract
Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the acoustic startle response is a preattentive process disrupted in schizophrenia. NMDAR-antagonist induced PPI disruption has become a prevalent pharmacological model, however knowledge of the mechanism underlying NMDAR-antagonist induced PPI deficits (NAlPdef) remains incomplete. This work aims to examine the roles of NMDAR subtypes in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and the caudal pontine reticular nucleus (PnC) in NAlPdef in rats, and the effects of NMDAR antagonists on PPI and startle reactivity over the diurnal cycle. Results indicate that neither the PnC nor the diurnal cycle play a role in the mechanism underlying NAlPdef. However, microinjections of the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 to the mPFC caused significant disruption of PPI, while microinfusion of the NR2B-specific NMDAR antagonist ifenprodil to the mPFC caused trend level disruption of PPI. This work shows for the first time that NMDARs in the mPFC play a role in the mechanism underlying NAlPdef.
Recommended Citation
Valsamis, Bridget C., "MECHANISMS UNDERLYING THE DISRUPTION OF PREPULSE INHIBITION BY NMDAR ANTAGONISTS" (2011). Digitized Theses. 3433.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3433