Presenters: Kayden Robinson ; Emma Steimle ; Joshua Barlow ; James Robinson
Authors: Emma Steimle, Joshua Barlow, James Robinson, Hillary Wadsworth, Sarah Foote, Caylor Hafen, Samantha Bishop, Benjamin Graul, Hannah Barrus
Faculty Advisor: Jordan Yorgason
Institution: Brigham Young University
Ivermectin is a drug commonly used for treating parasitic infections across the world. One of the most interesting aspects of ivermectin is its pharmacology as an allosteric modulator of various ion channels, including nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) which are located on dopamine terminals. Activation of nAChRs on striatum dopamine terminals results in robust dopamine release that is highly dependent on the frequency of the stimulation applied. Our present research project investigates the effects of ivermectin on dopamine terminal function and interactions with nicotinic systems. Brain slices from mice were recorded from using fast scan cyclic voltammetry techniques. Ivermectin produces inhibition of dopamine release that is concentration and sex dependent, with greater effects observed in female mice. Nicotine application reduces dopamine release from single pulse stimulations, and enhances release at higher stimulations. As a positive allosteric modulator of nAChRs, we expect ivermectin to enhance nicotine effects in brain slices. The results from these experiments will help us better understand the mechanisms and effects of ivermectin on the brain and could have implications for the use of ivermectin as a medication.