Sex chromosome and gonadal hormone contributions to binge-like and aversion-resistant ethanol drinking behaviors in Four Core Genotypes mice.

Introduction: While substantial research has focused on the contribution of sex hormones to driving elevated levels of alcohol drinking in female rodents, fewer studies have investigated how genetic influences may underlie sex differences in this behavior.

Methods: We used the Four Core Genotypes (FCG) mouse model to explore the contribution of sex chromosome complement (XX/XY) and gonad type [ovaries ()/testes ()] to ethanol (EtOH) consumption and quinine-resistant drinking across two voluntary self-administration tasks: limited access consumption in the home cage and an operant response task.

Results: For limited access drinking in the dark, XY/ (vs.

Greater resistance to footshock punishment in female C57BL/6J mice responding for ethanol.

Background: One characteristic of alcohol use disorder is compulsive drinking or drinking despite negative consequences. When quinine is used to model such aversion-resistant drinking, female rodents typically are more resistant to punishment than males. Using an operant response task where C57BL/6J responded for ethanol mixed with quinine, we previously demonstrated that female mice tolerate higher concentrations of quinine in ethanol than males.