Extinction to amphetamine-associated context in female rats is dependent upon conditioned orienting

Rationale Females are considered more susceptible to the reinforcing effects of drugs and subsequently at increased risk for drug abuse and relapse after treatment. Estrogen is known to facilitate drug effects in females. However, other factors which contribute to the incidence of drug abuse are important to identify in order to recognize early risk factors and develop effective prevention and treatment schemes. Cue-directed behavior ( akasign tracking) has been implicated as a behavioral phenotype which identifies populations susceptible to drug abuse, partly due to its association with impulsivity and heightened dopamine function.