Publication Date
2015
Document Type
Thesis
Committee Members
Michael Hennessy (Advisor), Larry Ream (Committee Member), Patricia Schiml (Committee Member)
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Abstract
Maternal separation has been shown to promote the onset of adult depression. This early life stressor produces a biphasic response marked by an active "protest" phase followed by a passive "despair" phase in humans and other species. In infant guinea pigs, active phase behaviors include increased locomotion and distress vocalizations, whereas the passive phase is marked by depressive-like behaviors including a crouch stance, eye closure and piloerection. Separation elicits physiological responses including increased core body temperature and proinflammatory cytokine expression suggesting fever. Angiotensin-II receptor blockers (ARB's) inhibit inflammation both peripherally and centrally following peripheral administration. The goal of the present study is to determine the effects the ARB blocker Losartan (Cozaar) on passive behavior and sensitization in the guinea pig. Subjects were separated into four groups: Losartan (LSEP), Vehicle (VSEP), Separated (SEP) and Undisturbed (UND). Peripheral administration was provided to LSEP and VSEP groups before the first test. Although the results of this study provided evidence of sensitization in guinea pig pups, Losartan did not decrease depressive like behavior or sensitization upon repeated maternal separations
Page Count
43
Department or Program
Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology
Year Degree Awarded
2015
Copyright
Copyright 2015, all rights reserved. This open access ETD is published by Wright State University and OhioLINK.
