Sex Differences in Rats in the Development of and Recovery From Ethanol Dependence Assessed by Changes in Seizure Susceptibility

Abstract

This set of experiments uncovered additional sex differences in one measure of ethanol dependence and withdrawal. Proposed mechanisms for the development of ethanol dependence involve alterations in subunit assembly of gamma-aminobutyric acidA and NMDA receptors or various posttranslational modifications. In consideration of these findings, whatever mechanisms underlie the development of ethanol dependence, there is a different sequence of events in male compared with female rats. Studies are ongoing to determine associations between behavioral measures of ethanol dependence/withdrawal and selective neuronal adaptations.