Sex differences and ovarian hormones in animal models of drug dependence.

摘要: Increasing evidence indicates the presence of sex differences in many aspects drug abuse. Most studies reveal that females exceed males during initiation, escalation, extinction, and reinstatement (relapse) drug-seeking behavior, but are more sensitive than to aversive effects drugs such as withdrawal. Findings from human animal research indicate circulating levels ovarian steroid hormones account for these differences. Estrogen (E) facilitates while progesterone (P) its metabolite, allopregnanalone (ALLO), counteract E reduce seeking. P influence other behaviors affiliated with abuse drug-induced locomotor sensitization conditioned place preference. The enhanced vulnerability seeking vs. is also additive risk factors (e.g., adolescence, sweet preference, novelty reactivity, impulsivity). Finally, treatment using behavioral or pharmacological interventions, including ALLO, show greater effectiveness several phases addiction process. neurobiological basis appears be genetic involves their metabolites, hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, dopamine (DA), gamma-hydroxy-butyric acid (GABA). Overall, hormonal status along biological a continuum addiction-prone -resistant models valuable studying prevention strategies.