Circulating gonadal hormones influence alcohol-motivated behavior in male and female rats

Ample research shows that female rodents demonstrate enhanced alcohol-motivated behavior compared to males. However, the mechanism underlying these sex differences is unclear. Evidence suggests that estradiol promotes, whereas testosterone reduces alcohol drinking, though few, if any, studies have determined gonadal hormone-mediated changes in the reinstatement of ethanol seeking. To explore this, gonadally intact and gonadectomized (GDX) female and male rats were given estradiol (E2) or testosterone (T) replacement, respectively, during operant ethanol self-administration.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research