PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Jacqueline M. Barker AU - Mary M. Torregrossa AU - Arthur P. Arnold AU - Jane R. Taylor TI - Dissociation of Genetic and Hormonal Influences on Sex Differences in Alcoholism-Related Behaviors AID - 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.0548-10.2010 DP - 2010 Jul 07 TA - The Journal of Neuroscience PG - 9140--9144 VI - 30 IP - 27 4099 - http://www.jneurosci.org/content/30/27/9140.short 4100 - http://www.jneurosci.org/content/30/27/9140.full SO - J. Neurosci.2010 Jul 07; 30 AB - Differences between men and women in alcohol abuse prevalence have long been attributed to social and hormonal factors. It is, however, becoming apparent that sex differences in substance dependence are also influenced by genetic factors. Using a four core genotype mouse model that enables dissociation of chromosomal and gonadal sex, we show that habitual responding for alcohol reinforcement is mediated by sex chromosome complement independent of gonadal phenotype. After moderate instrumental training, chromosomal male (XY) mice became insensitive to outcome devaluation, indicating habitual responding. Chromosomal female (XX) mice remained sensitive to outcome devaluation, signifying goal-directed behavior. There was no effect of gonadal phenotype on habitual responding. Conversely, alcohol drinking was predicted by gonadal phenotype independent of sex chromosome complement. These results indicate that different alcoholism-related behaviors are determined independently by gonadal and chromosomal sex.