# Role of the estrous cycle and nucleus accumbens signaling on incubation of oxycodone craving in female rats

> **NIH NIH K00** · MCLEAN HOSPITAL · 2020 · $79,455

## Abstract

Abstract
Mesolimbic regions, including the nucleus accumbens (NAc) mediate the motivational properties of
food, sex, and drug rewards, as well as cues that are paired with them. It is well established that
ovarian hormones influence motivation (Yoest et al., 2014) and potently regulate NAc function and
plasticity (Cyr et al., 2001; Le Saux et al., 2006; Peterson et al., 2015). In addition, glutamatergic
transmission in the NAc is essential for the initiation of motivated behaviors. The regulation of NAc
glutamatergic synaptic plasticity by ovarian hormones is proposed to underlie motivational responses
to food and drug rewards (Becker and Hu, 2008; Sinclair et al., 2017). However, the mechanisms
underlying the modulatory role of ovarian hormones on NAc function and motivation are poorly
understood. Thus, the goal of the proposed studies is to combine behavioral, biochemical and
electrophysiological approaches to understand how ovarian hormones influence motivation and NAc
function. These studies will not only provide a better understanding of the role of ovarian hormones in
motivation and NAc function, but they will also provide training and preparation for my independent
research career.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10208490
- **Project number:** 8K00DA053527-03
- **Recipient organization:** MCLEAN HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Yanaira Alonso Caraballo
- **Activity code:** K00 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $79,455
- **Award type:** 8
- **Project period:** 2018-07-31 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10208490

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10208490, Role of the estrous cycle and nucleus accumbens signaling on incubation of oxycodone craving in female rats (8K00DA053527-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10208490. Licensed CC0.

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