Hedonic Sensitivity to Natural Rewards Is Affected by Prenatal Stress in a Sex-Dependent Manner

    May 2015 in “ Addiction Biology ”
    Marie Line Reynaert, Jordan Marrocco, Jérôme Mairesse, Luana Lionetto, Maurizio Simmaco, Lucie Deruyter, Delphine Allorge, Anna Moles, Anna Pittaluga, Stefania Maccari, Sara Morley‐Fletcher, Gilles Van Camp, Ferdinando Nicoletti
    Image of study
    TLDR Prenatal stress changes how male and female rats enjoy rewards differently, linked to sex hormones.
    The study explored the impact of prenatal stress (PRS) on the enjoyment of natural rewards, specifically milk chocolate, in male and female rats, revealing sex-dependent effects. PRS increased chocolate preference and dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) in male rats, while decreasing serotonin levels in the NAc and prefrontal cortex (PFC). This was associated with increased dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, which could be reversed by the DHT-lowering drug finasteride. Conversely, PRS decreased chocolate preference in female rats, along with lower estradiol levels and reduced dopamine and serotonin levels in the NAc and PFC. Estradiol supplementation in females reversed these effects. The study also noted changes in estrogen and serotonin receptor mRNA levels in the hypothalamus, which were corrected by hormone treatments. The findings suggest that early life stress can lead to long-lasting changes in the brain's reward system, influenced by sex hormones. The number of rats used in the study ranged from 4 to 9 for hormonal manipulation and 7 to 8 for behavior and endocrinology studies, with statistical analyses supporting the conclusions.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 8 results

      community Opinions- AGA options and pregnancy

      in Female  7 upvotes 2 months ago
      A user with Androgenetic Alopecia is seeking advice on hair growth treatments while planning for pregnancy. Current routine includes LaserCap, Nizoral Shampoo, scalp massage, The Ordinary Multi Peptide Serum, vitamin D, prenatal vitamins, and SEEN shampoo.

      community C’est terrible - at my wits end

      in Female  443 upvotes 1 year ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

      community Opinions on Scalp fibrosis and DHT?

      in Research/Science  9 upvotes 2 years ago
      The conversation discusses the theory that scalp fibrosis contributes to male pattern baldness (MPB) by increasing DHT concentration, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil. The user seeks opinions on the theory and the effectiveness of scalp massages.

      community 26/F – Lots of stuff going on – Pics inside.

       6 upvotes 9 years ago
      A 26 year old female with PCOS who has been dealing with hair loss for several years, despite managing her hormones and taking vitamins. She has tried various treatments such as Nizoral, Minoxidil, Pyrithione zinc, coal tar and salicylic acid to no avail. The user is looking for advice on what else they can do to stop their hair loss.

      community female battling hair loss

       6 upvotes 6 years ago
      User "tresslessatbest" shares her experience with androgenic hair loss and treatments. She found success using men's Rogaine 5%, spironolactone, dermaroller, biotin, blackcurrant seed oil, prenatal vitamins, and Nizoral shampoo.

    Similar Research

    5 / 718 results