Rat brain neurons (IMAGE)

WashU Medicine

Rat brain neurons

Caption

Brain cells (magenta) in the reward center of a rat’s brain release dopamine in response to opioids. According to a new study by WashU Medicine researchers, male and female rats with a chronic pain condition release different amounts of dopamine when given fentanyl because of sex hormones. The findings might help explain why men have higher rates of opioid use and overdose deaths.

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Jessica Higginbotham/WashU Medicine

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