The neurochemical consequences of methamphetamine self-administration in male and female rats

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 7d. 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.

Keywords: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor; Dopamine transporter; Female; Methamphetamine; Self-administration.