Endocannabinoid influence on partner preference in female rats

The effects of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol administration in the regulation of female rat sociosexual behaviour

“…On the other hand, EB administration induces a tendency away from the male compartment that is only counteracted by progesterone. Although the comparisons present a high variability between individual responses, averting any statistical meaning, the results agree with previous ones, showing that female rats treated with a cannabinoid agonist showed a preference for the male compartment but visited both compartments alike (Memos et al, 2014). This discrepancy could be due to the action of progesterone, which promotes a male‐preference regarding treatment regimens (López et al, 2010; Mani et al, 2001).…”

“…Prior to the initiation of the test, a naïve female and a stud male (stimulus rats) were placed in the opposite compartments of the acrylic box (Figure 2a). The compartment where the stimulus rats were placed was further divided by a metal grid, which allowed only partial interaction with the studied animal (only visual, auditory and olfactory clues) (Memos et al, 2014). The studied female rat was placed in the central compartment of the arena that, at that time, was separated from the other compartments by a solid opaque divider to prevent entering any other division and was allowed to acclimate for 2 min.…”

“…We hypothesize that, by targeting the ECS, THC will induce changes in the molecular pathways that regulate motivated behaviours (such as reproduction). Previous studies suggest that, because of the interaction between oestrogens and the ECS, the ECS activation by THC will inhibit or have limited effects on the sexual behaviour in females, in opposition to what was seen in males, in which ECS activation facilitates the response (Memos et al, 2014).…”