Sex differences in animal models: Focus on stress and addiction

Addiction is characterized by compulsive drug taking that supersedes other recreational, occupational or social pursuits. Sex differences are seen in the motivation to take drugs of abuse and in the escalation of drug taking behavior and stress can differentially affect drug-taking behaviors in males vs. females. Using the rat as an animal model, we find that in females there are rapid effects of estradiol on the ascending dopamine system that enhance the female ’s motivation to engage in these behaviors.
Source: Alcohol - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research