Neonatal programming with sex hormones: Effect on expression of dopamine D1 receptor and neurotransmitters release in nucleus accumbens in adult male and female rats

Steroid sex hormones produce physiological effects in reproductive and non-reproductive tissues, such as the brain. In brain, receptors are expressed cortical, limbic midbrain areas modulating memory, arousal, fear motivation between other behaviors. One neurotransmitters system regulated by is dopamine (DA), where during adulthood, promote neurophysiological behavioral on DA systems tuberoinfundibular (prolactin secretion), nigrostriatal (motor circuit regulation) mesocorticolimbic (driving of motivated behavior). However, long-term induced neonatal exposure to release D1 receptor activation its expression nucleus accumbens (NAcc) have not been fully studied. To answer this question, neurochemical, cellular molecular techniques were used. The data show differences NAcc extracellular levels protein content male female control rats. addition, programming with a single dose TP increases adult Our results new evidence related that could explain dependence drug abuse males females, which may be associated increased reinforcing drugs abuse.