Randomized trial reveals sex-dependent gene expression changes in the brain linked to cocaine and ethanol, suggesting implications for addiction vulnerability.
receptor subunits, suggesting persistent adaptations in synaptic plasticity. In contrast, males exhibited downregulation of glutamatergic-related genes along with increased taurine and L-glutamine levels. In the PFC, females displayed increased cannabinoid receptor 1 and NMDA receptor subunit 2B expression, reduced GABAergic-related gene expression, and decreased taurine and L-glutamine levels, consistent with an altered excitatory-inhibitory balance. Moreover, prefrontal glutamate levels positively correlated with cocaine plus ethanol intake in females. Overall, these findings reveal sex-dependent neuroadaptations within the hippocampus and PFC following cocaine plus ethanol polyconsumption, with pronounced endocannabinoid and GABAergic alterations in females, and glutamatergic changes in males that may reflect compensatory mechanisms potentially limiting relapse vulnerability.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Garrido-Matilla et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: