Elizabeth G. Pitts

A unique multi-synaptic mechanism regulates dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens during adolescence

The paper investigates differences in dopamine release regulation in adolescent versus adult rats, identifying a unique multisynaptic mechanism involving acetylcholine and nicotinic receptors.

Comparing dopamine release, uptake, and D2 autoreceptor function across the ventromedial to dorsolateral striatum in adolescent and adult rats

This study compares dopamine release, uptake, and D2 autoreceptor function across different striatal regions in adolescent and adult rats, finding decreased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens core in adolescents.

Phasic Dopamine Release Magnitude Tracks Individual Differences in Sensitization of Locomotor Response following a History of Nicotine Exposure

This study examines how repeated nicotine exposure affects dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens of rats and links these changes to locomotor sensitization and vulnerability to substance use disorder.