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Galbo-Thomma LK, Epperly PM, Blough BE, Landavazo A, Saldaña SJ, Carroll FI, Czoty PW. Cognitive-Enhancing Effects of Acetylcholine Receptor Agonists in Group-Housed Cynomolgus Monkeys Who Drink Ethanol. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 389:258-267. [PMID: 38135508 PMCID: PMC11125785 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The cognitive impairments that are often observed in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) partially contribute to the extremely low rates of treatment initiation and adherence. Brain acetylcholine receptors (AChR) mediate and modulate cognitive and reward-related behavior, and their distribution can be altered by long-term heavy drinking. Therefore, AChRs are promising pharmacotherapeutic targets for treating the cognitive symptoms of AUD. In the present study, the procognitive efficacy of two AChR agonists, xanomeline and varenicline, were evaluated in group-housed monkeys who self-administered ethanol for more than 1 year. The muscarinic AChR antagonist scopolamine was used to disrupt performance of a serial stimulus discrimination and reversal (SDR) task designed to probe cognitive flexibility, defined as the ability to modify a previously learned behavior in response to a change in reinforcement contingencies. The ability of xanomeline and varenicline to remediate the disruptive effects of scopolamine was compared between socially dominant and subordinate monkeys, with lighter and heavier drinking histories, respectively. We hypothesized that subordinate monkeys would be more sensitive to all three drugs. Scopolamine dose-dependently impaired performance on the serial SDR task in all monkeys at doses lower than those that produced nonspecific impairments (e.g., sedation); its potency did not differ between dominant and subordinate monkeys. However, both AChR agonists were effective in remediating the scopolamine-induced deficit in subordinate monkeys but not in dominant monkeys. These findings suggest xanomeline and varenicline may be effective for enhancing cognitive flexibility in individuals with a history of heavy drinking. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Procognitive effects of two acetylcholine (ACh) receptor agonists were assessed in group-housed monkeys who had several years' experience drinking ethanol. The muscarinic ACh receptor agonist xanomeline and the nicotinic ACh receptor agonist varenicline reversed a cognitive deficit induced by the muscarinic ACh receptor antagonist scopolamine. However, this effect was observed only in lower-ranking (subordinate) monkeys and not higher-ranking (dominant monkeys). Results suggest that ACh agonists may effectively remediate alcohol-induced cognitive deficits in a subpopulation of those with alcohol use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey K Galbo-Thomma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - Phillip M Epperly
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - Antonio Landavazo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - Santiago J Saldaña
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - F Ivy Carroll
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
| | - Paul W Czoty
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (L.K.G.-T., P.M.E., S.J.S., P.W.C.) and Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina (B.E.B., A.L., F.I.C.)
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Siddique AB, Deb Nath S, Mubarak M, Akter A, Mehrin S, Hkatun MJ, Parvine Liza A, Amin MZ. Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene among early-reproductive aged women in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional survey. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1238290. [PMID: 38089036 PMCID: PMC10713719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1238290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor menstrual hygiene practices during menstruation increases the risk of reproductive tract infections, absenteeism, and negative impact on school performance. Despite being a global problem, there is a lack of knowledge and misconceptions about menstrual hygiene among women of all ages, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward menstrual hygiene among early reproductive-aged women in Bangladesh to help policymakers and planners take effective initiatives. Methodology A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July and December 2022 in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Sylhet, and Barisal regions of Bangladesh. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to recruit a total of 1,214 participants (100% female; mean age: 22.87 ± 2.64 years). A semi-structured questionnaire including informed consent, socio-demographic information, as well as questions regarding knowledge (6-item), attitudes (7-item), and practices (6-item) toward menstruation and menstrual hygiene practices, was used to conduct the survey. All analyses were performed using the STATA (Version 15.0) and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 25.0). Result The mean scores of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 4.9 ± 1.51 (out of 6), 12.58 ± 1.58 (out of 14), and 8.80 ± 1.87 (out of 12), respectively. The higher scores of knowledge, attitudes, and practices were significantly associated with several socio-demographic and menstruation-related factors (education, family type, type of menstruation, duration of menstruation, etc.). Conclusion This study identified several key factors associated with improved knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to menstrual hygiene, including higher education levels, student status, younger age, non-alcohol consumption, and regular menstrual cycles. To enhance menstrual hygiene practices among women, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions that address knowledge disparities and tackle social and environmental influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abu Bakkar Siddique
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Centre for Advanced Research Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- International Centre for Research, Innovation, Training and Development (ICRITD), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sudipto Deb Nath
- Army Medical College Jashore, Jashore, Bangladesh
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Mahfuza Mubarak
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Amena Akter
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjida Mehrin
- Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
| | - Mst Jemi Hkatun
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - M. Ziaul Amin
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
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Qurishi R, Drenth JPH, De Jong CAJ. Premenstrual syndrome predicts alcohol craving in women with substance use disorders. Women Health 2022; 62:430-438. [DOI: 10.1080/03630242.2022.2084212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joost P. H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
LEARNING OBJECTIVE After participating in this activity, learners should be better able to:• Discuss and outline the general and overlapping effects of the menstrual cycle on women's mental health. ABSTRACT A growing body of research demonstrates menstrual cycle-dependent fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms; these fluctuations can therefore be considered as prevalent phenomena. Possible mechanisms underlying these fluctuations posit behavioral, psychological, and neuroendocrine influences. Recent reviews document cyclic exacerbation of symptoms and explore these mechanisms in the context of specific and often single disorders. The question remains, however, as to whether there are general and overlapping effects of the menstrual cycle on women's mental health. To address this gap, we synthesized the literature examining the exacerbation of a variety of psychiatric symptoms across the menstrual cycle in adult women. Results show that the premenstrual and menstrual phases are most consistently implicated in transdiagnostic symptom exacerbation. Specifically, strong evidence indicates increases in psychosis, mania, depression, suicide/suicide attempts, and alcohol use during these phases. Anxiety, stress, and binge eating appear to be elevated more generally throughout the luteal phase. The subjective effects of smoking and cocaine use are reduced during the luteal phase, but fewer data are available for other substances. Less consistent patterns are demonstrated for panic disorder, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder, and it is difficult to draw conclusions for symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trichotillomania because of the limited data. Future research should focus on developing standardized approaches to identifying menstrual cycle phases and adapting pharmacological and behavioral interventions for managing fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms across the menstrual cycle.
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Li M, Qu Y, Zhong J, Che Z, Wang H, Xiao J, Wang F, Xiao J. Sex bias in alcohol research: A 20-year comparative study. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 63:100939. [PMID: 34411573 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to assess the sex-inclusive and sex-based analysis bias in alcohol research for the past 20 years. Data were abstracted from 2988 original research articles published from 2000 through 2019 in 51 representative journals across 9 biomedical disciplines. An analysis in 5-year intervals revealed that the percentage of studies using participants of both sexes was significantly higher between 2015 and 2019 than between 2000 and 2014. When stratified, clinical studies showed a higher percentage of both-sex studies compared to basic studies using animals. The reasons for the use of single-sex cohorts mainly included insufficient participant numbers and misconceptions surrounding the hormonal variability of females. Implementation of the NIH SABV policy promoted the ratio of NIH-funded papers with sex-based analyses. In conclusion, sex bias in alcohol-related biomedical studies has improved over the past 20 years, particularly after the implementation of the SABV policy. Although clinical studies increasingly included sex-based analysis, basic studies were biased towards the use of males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianhuan Li
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China; Clinical Medical Research Institute and Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Qu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Key Laboratory of CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajun Zhong
- Clinical Medical Research Institute and Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhaodi Che
- Clinical Medical Research Institute and Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Junjie Xiao
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Jia Xiao
- Clinical Medical Research Institute and Department of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Joyce KM, Thompson K, Good KP, Tibbo PG, O'Leary ME, Perrot TS, Hudson A, Stewart SH. The impact of depressed mood and coping motives on cannabis use quantity across the menstrual cycle in those with and without pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. Addiction 2021; 116:2746-2758. [PMID: 33651443 DOI: 10.1111/add.15465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Reported rates of cannabis use among Canadian females are increasing. Female cannabis users progress to cannabis use disorder more rapidly than males (telescoping) and have higher rates of emotional disorder comorbidity. Addictive behaviors may change, along with mood and motivations, across the menstrual cycle (MC), particularly for females with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This study aimed to determine whether increases in depressed mood and coping motives would predict increased cannabis use pre-menstrually/menstrually, particularly among females with PMDD. We also assessed positive mood and enhancement motive ratings to establish specificity of predicted depressed mood and coping motive results. DESIGN Observational study using data collected across 32 days using electronic daily diary methods. SETTING Nova Scotia, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-nine naturally cycling female cannabis users (Mean (M) age = 29.25, Standard Deviation (SD) = 5.66) with and without retrospectively identified PMDD (via structured clinical interview) and prospectively identified PMDD (via elevated pre-menstrual depressed mood). Self-reported MC phase was validated using salivary progesterone concentrations. MEASUREMENTS Depressed/positive mood, coping-/enhancement-motivated cannabis use, and cannabis use quantity. FINDINGS Coping motives explained heightened cannabis use pre-menstrually/menstrually in those with retrospectively identified PMDD. Depressed mood explained increased cannabis use menstrually in those with retrospectively/prospectively identified PMDD. Moreover, prospectively identified PMDD significantly moderated the relationship between depressed mood and cannabis use quantity menstrually. In those with prospectively identified PMDD, positive mood and enhancement motives were associated with decreased cannabis use during the follicular/ovulatory phases. Females with versus without retrospectively identified PMDD also displayed greater overall cannabis use quantity (M [SD] = 3.44[2.84] standard joint equivalents versus 1.85[1.82], respectively; U = 277.50, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS Depressed mood may explain heightened cannabis use menstrually in females with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. Coping motives may explain heightened cannabis use pre-menstrually/menstrually in females with retrospectively identified with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Joyce
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Abbie J. Lane Building, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kara Thompson
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, 2323 Notre Dame Ave., Antigonish, NS, Canada
| | - Kimberley P Good
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Abbie J. Lane Building, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Philip G Tibbo
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Abbie J. Lane Building, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - M Elizabeth O'Leary
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Tara S Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Amanda Hudson
- Health PEI, Mental Health and Addictions Research Centre, 347 Church Street, Alberton, PEI, Canada
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Abbie J. Lane Building, 5909 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, Canada.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax, NS, Canada
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Roomaney R, Lourens A. Correlates of premenstrual dysphoric disorder among female university students. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2020.1823608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Roomaney
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Ashley Lourens
- Department of Psychology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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Li Y, Ramoz N, Derrington E, Dreher JC. Hormonal responses in gambling versus alcohol abuse: A review of human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 100:109880. [PMID: 32004637 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.109880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The endocrine system plays an essential role in communication between various organs of the body to maintain homeostasis. Both substance use disorders (SUDs) and non-substance abuse disrupt this system and lead to hormonal dysregulations. Here, we focus on the comparison between the function of the endocrine system in gambling disorders and alcohol addiction to understand the commonalities and differences in their neurobiological and psychological underpinnings. We review human research to compare findings on gambling addiction and alcohol dependence pertaining to the dynamic interplay between testosterone and cortisol. Understanding and classifying similarities in hormonal responses between behavioural addiction and SUDs may facilitate development of treatments and therapeutic interventions across different types of addictive disorders, while describing differences may shed light on therapeutic interventions for specific disorders. Although research on gambling addiction is in its infancy, such evaluation may still have a positive effect for addiction research, thereby stimulating discovery of "crossover" pharmacotherapies with benefits for both SUDs and nonsubstance addictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Li
- Competition, Addiction and Social Neuroscience Lab, Department of Psychology, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China; Institute for Brain Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- Vulnerability of Psychiatric and Addictive Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, INSERM UMRS1266, Paris, France.
| | - Edmund Derrington
- Neuroeconomics Laboratory, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS UMR 5229, Bron, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dreher
- Neuroeconomics Laboratory, Institut des Sciences Cognitives Marc Jeannerod, CNRS UMR 5229, Bron, France.
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Hayaki J, Holzhauer CG, Epstein EE, Cook S, Gaba A, Lorenzo AC, McCrady BS. Menstrual cycle phase, alcohol consumption, alcohol cravings, and mood among women in outpatient treatment for alcohol use disorder. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2020; 34:680-689. [PMID: 32250129 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Research shows fluctuations in drinking across the menstrual cycle among women with alcohol use disorder (AUD), but little work has investigated moderators of these fluctuations. This study examined drinking and craving intensity across the menstrual cycle, and the moderating effect of baseline depression and emotional distress during the midlate luteal phase and/or menses, among women receiving AUD treatment. Fifty-nine regularly cycling women reported menstrual history and baseline depression. Over 3 months of treatment, they kept daily logs of drinks, alcohol cravings, and menstruation (yes/no). Emotional distress during the midlate luteal phase and/or menses of their most recent menstrual cycle was also assessed during treatment. Menstrual cycle phase was estimated for each within-treatment day. Mixed model analyses tested main and interactive effects of menstrual cycle phase, baseline depression, and emotional distress during the midlate luteal phase and/or menses on daily drinks and craving intensity. Women drank most during the midlate luteal phase and menses compared with other phases. Among women with lower baseline depression, those with lower distress during the midlate luteal phase and/or menses reported more intense cravings during the midlate luteal phase (ΔM = .77, p = .000) and menses (ΔM = .51, p = .012); those with higher distress reported more intense cravings during menses, compared with all other phases (p < .01). Among women with higher baseline depression, craving intensity remained consistently high. Results document more drinking during the midlate luteal phase and menses and suggest that cycle-related distress and depression moderate the alcohol-menstrual association among women in AUD treatment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jumi Hayaki
- Department of Psychology, College of the Holy Cross
| | | | | | - Sharon Cook
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
| | - Ayorkor Gaba
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - Ava C Lorenzo
- Graduate School for Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
| | - Barbara S McCrady
- Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico
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Holzhauer CG, Wemm SE, Wulfert E, Cao ZT. Fluctuations in progesterone moderate the relationship between daily mood and alcohol use in young adult women. Addict Behav 2020; 101:106146. [PMID: 31639640 PMCID: PMC6876695 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated associations between hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and women's alcohol use. This association has been explained by mood changes that, for some women, accompany decreasing levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle, particularly during the late luteal/premenstrual phase. The current study examined whether participants' daily ratings of mood interact with changing levels of progesterone to predict alcohol use. METHOD Young adult women attended two sessions scheduled two weeks apart, during which they completed questionnaires and provided salivary samples for the assay of progesterone levels. In the intervening two weeks, participants completed daily logs of their mood, alcohol use, and menses. Ordered Generalized Linear Mixed Models assessed the effects of daily mood (examined as both a within- and between-subject variable) on the likelihood of drinking, as a function of menstrual cycle phase and changes in progesterone across the two weeks. RESULTS One standard deviation increase in progesterone corresponded to a 1.61 decrease in the odds of drinking. This main effect was moderated by daily mood. Women were more likely to drink during a decrease in progesterone on days they rated their mood as negative, whereas during an increase in progesterone they were more likely to drink on days they reported a positive mood. Between-subject analyses showed that women who reported lower overall mood during the two-week period were more likely to drink with an increase in progesterone and less likely with a decrease. CONCLUSIONS Women's likelihood to drink increased when they experienced negative mood in the context of decreasing levels of progesterone, whereas the negative-mood/drinking association was mitigated among those with increasing levels of progesterone. However, compared to women who on average had an overall more positive mood, women with an overall lower mood (and corresponding higher levels of depression and anxiety at baseline) did not experience the protective effects of rising progesterone levels on drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathryn Glanton Holzhauer
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dept of Psychiatry, 365 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605, United States.
| | - Stephanie E Wemm
- Yale University School of Medicine, Yale Stress Center, 2 Church Street South, Suite 209, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Edelgard Wulfert
- University at Albany, State University of New York, Psychology Department, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States
| | - Zhimin Tim Cao
- University at Albany, State University of New York, Psychology Department, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, United States; Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY 12201, United States
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Tanabe J, Yamamoto DJ, Sutton B, Brown MS, Hoffman PL, Burnham EL, Glueck DH, Tabakoff B. Effects of Alcohol and Acetate on Cerebral Blood Flow: A Pilot Study. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2070-2078. [PMID: 31386214 PMCID: PMC7066986 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute alcohol produces effects on cerebral metabolism and blood flow. Alcohol is converted to acetate, which serves as a source of energy for the brain and is an agonist at G protein-coupled receptors distributed in different cell types in the body including neurons. Acetate has been hypothesized to play a role in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) response after alcohol ingestion. We tested whether administration of acetate would alter CBF in a pattern similar to or different from that of alcohol ingestion in healthy individuals. METHODS Twenty-four healthy participants were assigned by convenience to receive either 0.6 g/kg alcohol orally (n = 12) or acetate intravenously (n = 12). For each participant, CBF maps were acquired using an arterial spin labeling sequence on a 3T magnetic resonance scanner after placebo and after drug administration. Whole-brain CBF maps were compared between placebo and drug using a paired t-test, and set at a threshold of p < 0.05 corrected for multiple comparisons (k ≥ 142 voxels, ≥3.78 cm3 ), voxel-level p < 0.005. Intoxication was measured after placebo and drug administration with a Subjective High Assessment Scale (SHAS-7). RESULTS Compared to placebo, alcohol and acetate were associated with increased CBF in the medial thalamus. Alcohol, but not acetate, was associated with increased CBF in the right orbitofrontal, medial prefrontal and cingulate cortex, and hippocampus. Plasma acetate levels increased following administration of alcohol and acetate and did not differ between the 2 arms. Alcohol, but not acetate, was associated with an increase in SHAS-7 scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Increased thalamic CBF associated with either alcohol or acetate administration suggests that the thalamic CBF response after alcohol could be mediated by acetate. Compared to other brain regions, thalamus may differ in its ability to metabolize acetate or expression of receptors responsive to acetate. Increased prefrontal and limbic CBF associated with alcohol may be linked to alcohol's behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody Tanabe
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Dorothy J. Yamamoto
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Brianne Sutton
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Mark S. Brown
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Paula L. Hoffman
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University
of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ellen L. Burnham
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Deborah H. Glueck
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of
Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Boris Tabakoff
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy,
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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Hanzal N, Joyce K, Tibbo P, Stewart S. A Pilot Daily Diary Study of Changes in Stress and Cannabis Use Quantity Across the Menstrual Cycle. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.26828/cannabis.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Chronic ethanol drinking increases during the luteal menstrual cycle phase in rhesus monkeys: implication of progesterone and related neurosteroids. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1817-1828. [PMID: 30645681 PMCID: PMC6606379 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-5168-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sporadic reports of alcohol consumption being linked to menstrual cycle phase highlight the need to consider hormonally characterized menstrual cycle phase in understanding the sex-specific effects of risk for alcohol drinking in women. OBJECTIVES We investigated the association between menstrual cycle phase, characterized by circulating progesterone and menses, with accurate daily alcohol intakes in rhesus monkeys, and the contribution of progesterone derived neuroactive steroids to cycle-related alcohol drinking. METHODS Menses (daily) and progesterone (2-3×/week) were obtained in female monkeys (n = 8, 5 ethanol, 3 control) for 12-18 months. Ethanol monkeys were then induced to drink ethanol (4% w/v; 3 months) and given 22 h/day access to ethanol and water for approximately 1 year. In selected cycles, a panel of neuroactive steroids were assayed during follicular and luteal phases from pre-ethanol and ethanol exposure. RESULTS There were minimal to no effects of ethanol on menstrual cycle length, progesterone levels, and follicular or luteal phase length. The monkeys drank more ethanol during the luteal phase, compared to the follicular phase, and ethanol intake was highest in the late luteal phase when progesterone declines rapidly. Two neuroactive steroids were higher during the luteal phase versus the follicular phase, and several neuroactive steroids were higher in the pre- vs. post-ethanol drinking menstrual cycles. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to show that normal menstrual cycle fluctuations in progesterone, particularly during the late luteal phase, can modulate ethanol intake. Two of 11 neuroactive steroids were selectively associated with the effect of cycle progesterone on ethanol drinking, suggesting possible links to CNS mechanisms of ethanol intake control.
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Joyce KM, Hudson A, O’Connor RM, Goldstein AL, Ellery M, McGrath DS, Perrot TS, Stewart SH. Retrospective and prospective assessments of gambling-related behaviors across the female menstrual cycle. J Behav Addict 2019; 8:135-145. [PMID: 30632377 PMCID: PMC7044611 DOI: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Despite increases in female gambling, little research investigates female-specific factors affecting gambling behavior (GB). Although research suggests that some addictive behaviors may fluctuate across menstrual cycle phase (MCP), gambling requires further investigation. In two studies, we examined associations between MCP and three risky GBs: time spent gambling, money spent gambling, and the probability of consuming alcohol while gambling. Associations between MCP and negative affect were also examined in Study 2. We predicted that, consistent with self-medication theory, increases in negative affect (Study 2) and risky GBs (Studies 1 and 2) would occur premenstrually/menstrually relative to other phases. METHODS Data were obtained from 33 female gamblers using a retrospective timeline followback procedure (Study 1) and from 20 female gamblers using a prospective 32-day, daily diary method (Study 2). In Study 2, salivary progesterone levels verified self-reported MCP validity. RESULTS Findings revealed significant, but somewhat inconsistent, MCP effects on GBs across studies. The self-medication hypothesis was partially supported. Increases relative to another MCP(s) were found for alcohol consumption while gambling premenstrually, time spent gambling menstrually/premenstrually, money spent gambling menstrually, and negative affect premenstrually. Unexpectedly, findings more consistently indicated that GBs increased during ovulation, suggestive of enhanced reward sensitivity. Progesterone assays validated self-reported MCP (Study 2). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a role of ovarian hormones on negative affect and GBs in females. This research could lead to the identification of female-specific factors affecting gambling and the development of more effective interventions for females with, or at risk for, problematic gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M. Joyce
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Amanda Hudson
- Department of Psychology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Canada
| | | | - Abby L. Goldstein
- Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Ellery
- Department of Psychology, University of Winnipeg, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Tara S. Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Sherry H. Stewart
- Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada,Corresponding author: Dr. Sherry H. Stewart; Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Life Sciences Centre, 1355 Oxford Street, Halifax NS, PO Box 15000, B3H 4R2, Canada; Phone: +1 902 494 3793; Fax: +1 902 494 6585; E-mail:
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Thomas SG, Czoty PW. Effect of menstrual cycle on ethanol drinking in rhesus monkeys. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 194:205-209. [PMID: 30453105 PMCID: PMC6312462 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex differences in the abuse-related effects of alcohol have been demonstrated in the clinic and in preclinical animal models. Less is known about the influence of menstrual cycle phase on drinking. METHODS In this study, we examined the relationship between menstrual cycle phase and intake of ethanol (EtOH) in five adult female rhesus monkeys. Subjects consumed a 4% EtOH solution in their home cage 6 h per day, 5 days per week and pressed a lever to receive food pellets during the drinking session. Menstrual cycle was determined with vaginal swabs 5-7 days per week. To facilitate comparison with previous studies, the cycle was divided three different ways for analysis. RESULTS First, no significant difference was observed when EtOH intake was compared between phases defined as "follicular" (days 5-10) and "luteal" (19-24). Second, when the cycle was further divided into four phases [early follicular (days 1-7), late follicular (8-14), early luteal (15-21) and late luteal (22-next cycle)], significant differences were detected, with intake highest in phases that bracket menses and lowest in the late follicular phase. Finally, EtOH intake during "mid-cycle" (days 12-16) was significantly lower than during "menses" (days 1-5) and "late luteal" (last 5 days). Effect sizes were small to moderate, although absolute differences in EtOH intake (g/kg) were <15%. Food-maintained responding was not different across phases. CONCLUSIONS Menstrual cycle has modest but statistically significant and selective effects on EtOH drinking, with higher EtOH intake observed in the peri-menstrual period compared to the middle of the cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul W. Czoty
- Corresponding author: Paul W. Czoty, Ph.D., Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1083, Phone: 336-713-7112,
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16
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Struik D, Sanna F, Fattore L. The Modulating Role of Sex and Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Hormones in Cannabinoid Sensitivity. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:249. [PMID: 30416437 PMCID: PMC6212868 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug worldwide. Although its use is associated with multiple adverse health effects, including the risk of developing addiction, recreational and medical cannabis use is being increasing legalized. In addition, use of synthetic cannabinoid drugs is gaining considerable popularity and is associated with mass poisonings and occasional deaths. Delineating factors involved in cannabis use and addiction therefore becomes increasingly important. Similarly to other drugs of abuse, the prevalence of cannabis use and addiction differs remarkably between males and females, suggesting that sex plays a role in regulating cannabinoid sensitivity. Although it remains unclear how sex may affect the initiation and maintenance of cannabis use in humans, animal studies strongly suggest that endogenous sex hormones modulate cannabinoid sensitivity. In addition, synthetic anabolic-androgenic steroids alter substance use and further support the importance of sex steroids in controlling drug sensitivity. The recent discovery that pregnenolone, the precursor of all steroid hormones, controls cannabinoid receptor activation corroborates the link between steroid hormones and the endocannabinoid system. This article reviews the literature regarding the influence of endogenous and synthetic steroid hormones on the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoid action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dicky Struik
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari - Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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17
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Joyce KM, Hudson A, O'Connor R, Thompson K, Hodgin M, Perrot T, Stewart SH. Changes in coping and social motives for drinking and alcohol consumption across the menstrual cycle. Depress Anxiety 2018; 35:313-320. [PMID: 29244908 DOI: 10.1002/da.22699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use has been reported to fluctuate over women's menstrual cycles (MCs), with increased intake occurring premenstrually/menstrually (phases characterized by heightened negative affect) and during the ovulatory phase (a phase characterized by positive affect). This suggests women may drink for particular emotion-focused reasons at specific points in their cycles. However, no research had yet examined MC variability in drinking motives, or links between cycle-related changes in drinking motives and alcohol consumption. METHODS Ninety-four normally cycling women (Mage = 22.9 years old, SDage = 4.7) completed daily diary measures (via Smartphone surveys), with questions pertaining to state drinking motives and quantity of alcohol consumed for the course of a full MC. RESULTS Drinking motives differed by cycle phase. Women reported a slight increase in drinking to self-medicate for negative affect premenstrually, with drinking to cope peaking in the menstrual phase and declining mid-cycle. Women reported a slight increasing trend across the cycle in social motives for drinking, while enhancement motives remained relatively stable across the cycle. Cycle-related changes in drinking motives predicted increases in the quantity of alcohol consumed. Drinking to cope with negative affect predicted a greater number of drinks menstrually (days 1-5). While social motives predicted a greater number of drinks during the follicular and ovulatory phases (days 5-16), enhancement motives were unrelated to drinking quantity across cycle phase. CONCLUSIONS Clinicians should be attentive to cycle phase when treating reproductive-aged women with alcohol disorders (e.g., encouraging the use of healthier means of coping with negative affect during menses).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla M Joyce
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Amanda Hudson
- Department of Psychology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Kara Thompson
- Department of Psychology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Megan Hodgin
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Tara Perrot
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Sherry H Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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18
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Popoola DO, Cameron NM. Maternal care-related differences in males and females rats' sensitivity to ethanol and the associations between the GABAergic system and steroids in males. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 60:380-394. [PMID: 29442358 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of maternal care on adolescent ethanol consumption, sensitivity to ethanol-induced hypnosis, as well as gonadal hormones and γ-aminobutyric acid type-A (GABAA ) systems. Long Evans rat dams were categorized by maternal licking/grooming (LG) frequency into High- and Low-LG mothers. Both female and male offspring from Low-LG rats demonstrated a greater sensitivity to ethanol-induced hypnosis in the loss-of-righting-reflex test at ethanol doses of 3.0 and 3.5 g/kg during late-adolescence (postnatal Day 50) but not at mid-adolescence (postnatal Day 42). However, we found no effect of maternal care on consumption of a 5% ethanol solution in a two-bottle choice test. We further investigated the association between the observed variations in sensitivity to ethanol-induced hypnosis and baseline hormonal levels in males. In male offspring from Low-LG mothers compared to High-LG mothers, baseline plasma corticosterone and progesterone levels were higher. GABAA α1 and δ subunit expressions were also higher in the cerebral cortex of Low-LG males but lower in the cerebellar synaptosomal fraction. Early environmental influences on adolescent sensitivity to ethanol-induced hypnosis, consumption, and preference may be mediated by gonadal hormones and possibly through GABAergic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel O Popoola
- Department of Psychology, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York.,Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York.,Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions, Research Institute on Addictions, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, New York
| | - Nicole M Cameron
- Department of Psychology, Center for Developmental and Behavioral Neuroscience, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York.,Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center, Binghamton University, Binghamton, New York
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Gonadal hormones affect alcohol drinking, but not cue+yohimbine-induced alcohol seeking, in male and female rats. Physiol Behav 2017; 203:70-80. [PMID: 29106989 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by maladaptive patterns of alcohol drinking and seeking. Though sex differences exist in the etiology of AUD, much remains to be elucidated concerning the mechanisms underlying sex-related vulnerability to developing excessive alcohol-motivated behavior. While a large body of evidence points to an important role of circulating gonadal hormones in mediating cocaine reinforcement, findings are less consistent with respect to ethanol. Critically, the effects of gonadal hormones on the reinstatement of ethanol seeking, a model of "craving"-like behavior that reveals pronounced sex differences, has not yet been examined. Thus, the goal of the present experiment was to directly compare manipulations of gonadal hormones in male and female rats on ethanol-motivated behavior. Rats received sham or gonadectomy surgery with or without hormone replacement prior to and throughout three weeks of operant ethanol self-administration to determine the effects of chronically high or low gonadal hormone levels on ethanol drinking. Hormone treatment ceased during extinction training, and the effects of an acute injection of either testosterone (in males) or estradiol (in females) on cue+yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol seeking was determined. Separate groups of gonadally-intact female rats went through similar training, but the effects of either the antiestrogen, fulvestrant, the selective estrogen receptor modulator, clomiphene, or the estrogen receptor β antagonist, PHTPP, on the reinstatement of ethanol seeking were determined. Chronic estradiol replacement produced significant increases in ethanol drinking in female rats, while chronic testosterone significantly decreased ethanol drinking in male rats. Gonadectomy alone only produced modest shifts in drinking towards the opposite-sex pattern, and did not eliminate the robust sex differences that persisted regardless of hormone manipulations. Neither prior chronic nor acute hormone manipulations altered cue+yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol seeking, though blockade of estrogen receptors tended to reduce reinstatement in gonadally-intact females. Overall, our findings indicate that gonadal hormones at least partially mediate, but do not totally account for the sex differences evident in ethanol self-administration, and circulating gonadal hormones have little effect on the reinstatement of ethanol seeking. These results provide a foundation for future studies examining the neuronal mechanisms underlying sex differences in ethanol drinking and seeking.
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