LSD produces conditioned place preference in male but not female fawn hooded rats

Male and female Fawn Hooded rats were examined for conditioned place preference (CPP) or aversion (CPA) to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Using a biased design, experimental animals were trained with LSD (0.2 mg/kg, IP) administered in conjunction with confinement in either the preferred or nonpreferred location. Control animals received confinement in both locations after administration of saline. Results indicated that rats administered LSD while sequestered in the nonpreferred location spent more time in that location during a nondrug test. This effect, indicative of a conditioned place preference, was exhibited only in male animals. Results are discussed in terms of potential sex differences that may mediate serotonergic sensitivity in the Fawn Hooded rat strain. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.