Fundamental Sex Differences in Cocaine-Induced Plasticity of Dopamine D1 Receptor- and D2 Receptor-Expressing Medium Spiny Neurons in the Mouse Nucleus Accumbens Shell.

Background: Cocaine-induced plasticity in the nucleus accumbens shell of males occurs primarily in dopamine D receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D1R-MSNs), with little if any impact on dopamine D receptor-expressing medium spiny neurons (D2R-MSNs). In females, the effect of cocaine on accumbens shell D1R- and D2R-MSN neurophysiology has yet to be reported, nor have estrous cycle effects been accounted for.

Methods: We used a 5-day locomotor sensitization paradigm followed by a 10- to 14-day drug-free abstinence period.

Diabetes alters neuroeconomically dissociable forms of mental accounting.

Those with diabetes mellitus are at high-risk of developing psychiatric disorders, yet the link between hyperglycemia and alterations in motivated behavior has not been explored in detail. We characterized value-based decision-making behavior of a streptozocin-induced diabetic mouse model on a naturalistic neuroeconomic foraging paradigm called Restaurant Row. Mice made self-paced choices while on a limited time-budget accepting or rejecting reward offers as a function of cost (delays cued by tone-pitch) and subjective value (flavors), tested daily in a closed-economy system across months.

Physiological acetic acid concentrations from ethanol metabolism stimulate accumbens shell medium spiny neurons via NMDAR activation in a sex-dependent manner.

Recent studies have implicated the ethanol metabolite, acetic acid, as neuroactive, perhaps even more so than ethanol itself. In this study, we investigated sex-specific metabolism of ethanol (1, 2, and 4 g/kg) to acetic acid in vivo to guide electrophysiology experiments in the accumbens shell (NAcSh), a key node in the mammalian reward circuit. There was a sex-dependent difference in serum acetate production, quantified via ion chromatography only at the lowest dose of ethanol (males > females).

Physiological acetic acid concentrations from ethanol metabolism stimulate accumbens shell neurons via NMDAR activation in a sex-dependent manner.

Recent studies have implicated the ethanol metabolite, acetic acid, as neuroactive, perhaps even more so than ethanol itself. In this study, we investigated sex-specific metabolism of ethanol (1, 2, and 4g/kg) to acetic acid to guide electrophysiology experiments in the accumbens shell (NAcSh), a key node in the mammalian reward circuit. There was a sex-dependent difference in serum acetate production, quantified via ion chromatography only at the lowest dose of ethanol (males>females).

Sex Differences in Cocaine Sensitization Vary by Mouse Strain.

Introduction: Preclinical literature, frequently utilizing rats, suggests females display a more rapid advancement of substance abuse and a greater risk of relapse following drug abstinence. In clinical populations, it is less clear as to what extent biological sex is a defining variable in the acquisition and maintenance of substance use. Even without considering environmental experiences, genetic factors are presumed to critically influence the vulnerability to addiction.