Date of Award
12-2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Program
Psychology
Department
Psychology
Major Professor
LaHoste, Gerald J.
Second Advisor
Martel, Michelle M.
Third Advisor
Harrison, Laura
Abstract
Rhes (Ras homolog enriched in striatum) has been identified as a novel monomeric G-protein involved in dopaminergic and other signaling in the striatum. Given the many effects of opioids that involve striatal circuitry, genetically engineered mice that are incapable of making Rhes (rhes-/-) and their control littermates (rhes+/+) were subjected to behavioral tests to determine if any differences existed in opioid analgesia, tolerance, withdrawal, reward, and locomotion. Rhes-/- mice showed an increased opioid mediated analgesia, along with an absence of tolerance and decrease in withdrawal when compared with rhes+/+ littermates. However, no significant changes were seen in opioid induced locomotor activation or conditioned place preference. These results provide strong evidence for the implication of Rhes in opioid signaling.
Recommended Citation
Lee, Franklin, "The Effects of Rhes on Opioid Analgesia" (2010). University of New Orleans Theses and Dissertations. 1254.
https://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/1254
Rights
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