Sex-dependent effects of acute stress and alcohol exposure during adolescence on mRNA expression of brain signaling systems involved in reward and stress responses in young adult rats.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescent stress and alcohol exposure increase the risk of maladaptive behaviors and mental disorders in adulthood, with distinct sex-specific differences. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these early events is crucial for developing targeted prevention and treatment strategies.

Methods

Male and female Wistar rats were exposed to acute restraint stress and intermittent alcohol during adolescence. We assessed lasting effects on plasma corticosterone (CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and mRNA expression of genes related to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), neuropeptide Y (NPY), corticoid, opioid, and arginine vasopressin systems in the amygdala and hypothalamus.

Results

The main findings are as follows: (1) blood alcohol conce

SUBMITTER: Gobbi C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11426001 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature