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Sex Differences in Animal Models of Opioid Reward

  • Preclinical and Psychophysiology (F Guarraci and G Rodríguez-Manzo, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review aims to discuss sex differences observed in preclinical rodent models of opioid reward.

Recent Findings

Utilizing a variety of methodological approaches and drug regimens, no clear consensus has emerged regarding the effects of opiates between males and females. This is quite dissimilar to work examining psychostimulants, where female animals reliably exhibit stronger behavioral responses.

Summary

With opioid research quickly expanding to determine the neural underpinnings of opioid addiction, further research is essential to determine the conditions wherein sex differences may occur and how they may relate to the human condition.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank S. Swanson, A. Chapp, J. Borland, and E. Kim for their assistance with editing the manuscript (University of Minnesota). We would like to thank S. Swanson (University of Minnesota) for his assistance with mouse behavior testing.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Natalie M. Lopresti, Manuel Esguerra & Paul G. Mermelstein

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  1. Natalie M. Lopresti
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  2. Manuel Esguerra
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  3. Paul G. Mermelstein
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Correspondence to Paul G. Mermelstein.

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All reported studies/experiments with human or animal subjects performed by the authors have been previously published and complied with all applicable ethical standards (including the Helsinki declaration and its amendments, institutional/national research committee standards, and international/national/institutional guidelines).

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Lopresti, N.M., Esguerra, M. & Mermelstein, P.G. Sex Differences in Animal Models of Opioid Reward. Curr Sex Health Rep 12, 186–194 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00266-4

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