The purpose of our study is to determine whether hormones or chromosomes have a greater impact on the motivation to seek alcohol in a mouse model. Studies have found that sex differences exist for alcohol consumption between both humans and rodents, and female rodents consistently consume more alcohol than males (Füllgrabe et al., 2007). The four-core genotype (FCG) transgenic mouse model can be used to study the contributions of gonadal hormones and sex chromosomes together or independently. These mice are unique in that chromosomally male mice have female gonads, and therefore produce female hormones. The chromosomally female mice have male gonads and produce male hormones. This allowed us to separate the influences of chromosomes or hormones as determinants in increased alcohol consumption. Using operant conditioning, mice behaviorally tested to nose-poke for ethanol (EtOH) reward. It was found that gonadal hormones influenced EtOH consumption, but only at 15% and 20% concentrations. Additionally, sex hormones and chromonosmes interact to affect responding for EtOH.
Authors: Jenelle DeMedio, Miranda Cash, Sai Pandrangi, Brynn Hollingsworth
Faculty Advisors: Elizabeth Sneddon and Anna K. Radke, Department of Psychology
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