# Sex differences in somatostatin cell dynamics and exploratory behavior after adolescent binge drinking in mice

> **NIH NIH F32** · PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE · 2024 · $73,408

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
Adolescent alcohol use is a national health problem. It is associated with negative health outcomes, such as
addiction and cognitive dysfunction, but relatively little is known about the mechanisms underlying sex
differences in adolescent binge drinking and changes in cortical circuits involved in brain health and psychiatric
conditions. In our mouse model of adolescent alcohol consumption (Drinking in the Dark, or DID), we have
observed sex-dependent changes in exploratory behaviors that are associated with dysregulation of somatostatin
(SST) neuronal signaling in the prelimbic cortex. Here I propose to investigate 1) the contributions of L-type
calcium channels (LTCCs) as a mechanism through which SST cells are altered due to drinking and 2) the
temporal relationship between altered SST cell activity and observed behavioral deficits. Male and female
transgenic mice with fluorescently tagged SST cells with undergo DID prior to brain collection. Functional
changes in LTCCs on SST cells will be assessed using patch-clamp electrophysiology, and LTCCs as a druggable
targets will be explored with behavioral pharmacology. I will then use freely moving single-photon neuroimaging
during homecage and behavioral test conditions following DID. Using this technique, we will observe the precise
temporal relationship between SST cell activity and the expression of exploratory behaviors in vivo. This research
will be guided by my mentorship team, which has extensive experience in electrophysiology and in vivo imaging
techniques, as well as experience in postdoctoral mentorship. Thus, conducting the proposed research will
simultaneously advance our understanding of the neurobiology impacted by adolescent alcohol exposure and
provide me with valuable training by qualified mentors, preparing me for an academic career in alcohol research.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10901170
- **Project number:** 1F32AA031396-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY, THE
- **Principal Investigator:** Laurel Seemiller
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $73,408
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-03-01 → 2027-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10901170

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10901170, Sex differences in somatostatin cell dynamics and exploratory behavior after adolescent binge drinking in mice (1F32AA031396-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10901170. Licensed CC0.

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