Abstract
Sporadic reports of alcohol consumption being linked to menstrual cycle phase highlight the need to consider hormonally characterized menstrual cycle phase in understanding the sex-specific effects of risk for alcohol drinking in women. We investigated the association between menstrual cycle phase, characterized by circulating progesterone and menses, with accurate daily alcohol intakes in rhesus monkeys, and the contribution of progesterone derived neuroactive steroids to cycle-related alcohol drinking. Menses (daily) and progesterone (2-3×/week) were obtained in female monkeys (n = 8, 5 ethanol, 3 control) for 12-18months. Ethanol monkeys were then induced to drink ethanol (4% w/v; 3months) and given 22h/day access to ethanol and water for approximately 1year. In selected cycles, a panel of neuroactive steroids were assayed during follicular and luteal phases from pre-ethanol and ethanol exposure. There were minimal to no effects of ethanol on menstrual cycle length, progesterone levels, and follicular or luteal phase length. The monkeys drank more ethanol during the luteal phase, compared to the follicular phase, and ethanol intake was highest in the late luteal phase when progesterone declines rapidly. Two neuroactive steroids were higher during the luteal phase versus the follicular phase, and several neuroactive steroids were higher in the pre- vs. post-ethanol drinking menstrual cycles. This is the first study to show that normal menstrual cycle fluctuations in progesterone, particularly during the late luteal phase, can modulate ethanol intake. Two of 11 neuroactive steroids were selectively associated with the effect of cycle progesterone on ethanol drinking, suggesting possible links to CNS mechanisms of ethanol intake control.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.