| dc.description.abstract | Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited neurodevelopmental disorder in humans that results from the lack of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) in the individual. Many individuals with FXS experience restricted interests and sensory motor behaviors, the severity of which have been linked to a brain region known as the striatum. The striatum is an essential part of the basal ganglia and is, in part, responsible for motor function, interpreting messages from the cerebral cortex and translating them into movement. There is evidence suggesting that stereotypic behaviors are strongly influenced by an increase of dopamine in this region. Over the course of this study, cocaine was administered to both Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice, which are a model for FXS, and their wild type (WT) counterparts to determine vulnerability to the development of stereotypical behaviors elicited under various conditions. Before, during, and following exposure to cocaine, a series of tests was performed that included hole board testing, locomotor analysis, and stereotypy analysis. The results of this experiment support the idea that cocaine increases the manifestation of stereotypies in both WT and Fmr1 KO animals. However, while the data are suggestive of KO animals being more susceptible to this behavior, we as of yet lack conclusive evidence. Additionally, the results of the experiment presented surprising data regarding the effects of cocaine exposure on reward pathways of WT mice. | |
