Abstract
Background Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive substance that is used in both males and females. Few preclinical studies have focused on understanding sex-differences in the neurochemical consequences of contingent METH. The purpose of the current study was to investigate potential sex-differences in the neurochemical consequences of METH self-administration. Methods Male and female adult rats were given extended access to METH or saline self-administration for 7 d. Following self-administration, hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) were assessed via western blotting. Results Male and female rats had similar METH intake. METH self-administration reduced striatal DAT in both sexes, but only males that self-administered METH had elevated hippocampal BDNF levels. Conclusions Sex-differences exist in the neurochemical consequences of METH self-administration. These differences may lead to sex-specific vulnerability to the toxic effects of METH.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 70-74 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Drug and Alcohol Dependence |
Volume | 178 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 1 2017 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Dopamine transporter
- Female
- Methamphetamine
- Self-administration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Pharmacology (medical)