Different mechanisms underlie compulsive alcohol self-administration in male and female rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Sex is an important factor in the progression and treatment of alcohol addiction, and therapeutic approaches may have to be tailored to potential sex differences. This highlights the importance of understanding sex differences in behaviors that reflect key elements of clinical alcohol addiction, such as continued use despite negative consequences ("compulsive use"). Studies in experimental animals can help provide an understanding of the role sex plays to influence these behaviors.

Methods

Large populations of genetically heterogeneous male and female Wistar rats were tested in an established model of compulsive alcohol self-administration, operationalized as alcohol responding despite contingent foot shock punishment. We also tested baseline (fixed ratio, unpunis

SUBMITTER: Toivainen S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10874042 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature