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Recent Perspectives on Sex Differences in Compulsion-Like and Binge Alcohol Drinking
Anna K Radke1, Elizabeth A Sneddon1, Raizel M Frasier2
1Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, OH 45040, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Understanding sex differences in alcohol use disorder (AUD) mechanisms is crucial. This research explores how factors like brain regions, hormones, and stress influence drinking patterns in males and females for better AUD treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a major public health issue with rising problem drinking in women.
- Understanding sex-based differences in AUD mechanisms is vital for developing targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on similarities and differences in alcohol drinking patterns between sexes.
- To explore neurobiological and hormonal mechanisms underlying sex differences in maladaptive alcohol consumption.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory findings on binge and compulsion-like alcohol drinking.
- Analysis of studies focusing on nucleus accumbens (NAcb) pathways, receptor systems (dopamine, orexin, AMPA), and sex hormones.
- Examination of the role of stressors like early life stress and anxiety.
Main Results:
- Identified similarities and differences in alcohol intake patterns across sexes.
- Highlighted the involvement of specific brain regions (NAcb core/shell), neurotransmitter receptors, and sex hormones in driving alcohol consumption.
- Showcased the interaction between stress, sex, and alcohol drinking behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Sex-specific mechanisms are critical for understanding alcohol addiction.
- Investigating these differences is essential for advancing treatment strategies for AUD and comorbid conditions.
- A comprehensive understanding of male and female neurobiology is key to effective addiction and neuropsychiatric treatment.
Keywords:
AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid)alcoholanxietydopamineearly life stressnucleus accumbens corenucleus accumbens shellorexinrodent modelssex differencesMore Related Videos
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