Keywords

synaptic plasticity; cortisol; norepinephrine; stress; apoptosis

Abstract

Stress profoundly influences brain function through neuromodulatory hormones that regulate synaptic plasticity, yet how temporal patterns of hormone exposure shape excitatory synapse formation remains poorly understood. This study investigates how exposure to stress hormones, norepinephrine and cortisol, affects excitatory synapse development. While existing research primarily compares concentration models, real-world stress occurs in variable patterns that may produce distinct neural outcomes. To address this gap, differentiated Neuro2A neuronal cells are exposed to norepinephrine or cortisol under a continuous treatment paradigm designed to model chronic stress conditions. Following treatment, immunofluorescence imaging is utilized to quantify excitatory synapse formation through analysis of presynaptic and postsynaptic protein expression, dendritic localization, and marker colocalization as measures of synapse density and structural organization. It is hypothesized that continuous exposure will disrupt excitatory synapse formation and neuronal viability. Additionally, norepinephrine and cortisol are expected to generate distinct temporal response profiles, reflecting differences in receptor signaling kinetics. By directly comparing two primary stress mediators across controlled temporal paradigms, this study examines exposure timing as a critical determinant of synaptic remodeling. The findings will improve understanding of how adaptive stress responses transition into maladaptive neural plasticity and may inform development of temporally targeted therapeutic strategies for stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Reagin Kudyba, Katie

College

College of Medicine

Department

Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences

Thesis Discipline

Neuroscience

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.