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Sex and menstrual cycle effects on chronic oral cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys: Effects of a nondrug alternative reward

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Abstract

Background

In previous studies, female monkeys self-administered more oral phencyclidine (PCP) than males, and PCP intake differed by phase of menstrual cycle.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine sex and hormonal influences on oral cocaine self-administration in male and female rhesus monkeys in the follicular vs. luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, with concurrent access to an alternative nondrug reward, saccharin (SACC) vs. water.

Materials and methods

Concurrent access to cocaine (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/ml) and SACC or water was available from two drinking spouts under concurrent fixed-ratio (FR) 2, 4, and 8 schedules during daily 3-h sessions.

Results

Cocaine deliveries were similar in males and females in the females’ luteal phase, but cocaine deliveries were higher in females during the follicular phase than the luteal phase and compared to males. When SACC was available, cocaine deliveries were reduced in females in the follicular phase of the cycle, and cocaine intake (mg/kg) was reduced in males and in females’ follicular and luteal phases.

Conclusions

Access to concurrent SACC (vs. water) reduced cocaine intake (mg/kg) in males and in females during both menstrual phases, and the magnitude of the reduction in cocaine intake was greatest during the females’ follicular phase. Thus, a nondrug alternative reward, SACC, is a viable alternative treatment for reducing cocaine’s rewarding effects on male and female monkeys, and reductions in cocaine seeking were optimal in the females’ luteal phase.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Troy Velie and Krista Johnson for their technical assistance and to Dr. Krista Walkowiak, Dr. Nellie Hegge, and Jeff Davis for their assistance with animal care. This research was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse grants R01 DA002486 and K05 DA015267 (MEC), and the University Medical Foundation, University of Minnesota.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, MMC 392, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA

    Marilyn E. Carroll, Molly Collins, Emily A. Kohl, Seth Johnson & Ben Dougen

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  1. Marilyn E. Carroll
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  2. Molly Collins
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  3. Emily A. Kohl
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  4. Seth Johnson
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  5. Ben Dougen
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Correspondence to Marilyn E. Carroll.

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The experiment was conducted in accordance with the Principles of Laboratory Animal Care (National Research Council 2011) and approved by the University of Minnesota Institutional Care and Use Committee. Laboratory facilities were accredited by the American Association for the Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.

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Carroll, M.E., Collins, M., Kohl, E.A. et al. Sex and menstrual cycle effects on chronic oral cocaine self-administration in rhesus monkeys: Effects of a nondrug alternative reward. Psychopharmacology 233, 2973–2984 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4343-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-016-4343-5

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