Figure 2.

Sucrose consumption and sexual behavior increase ΔFosB expression in the NAc. a, Chronic consumption of 10% sucrose in a two-bottle choice paradigm, as well as sexual behavior, increase ΔFosB expression in the NAc by Western blot (sucrose, t₍₁₁₎ = 2.685; *p = 0.021; n = 5–8; sexual behavior, t₍₁₂₎ = 2.351; *p = 0.037; n = 6–8). Olfaction control males do not differ significantly from control no-sex males (t₍₁₀₎ = 0.69; p > 0.50; n = 4–8). N.S., Nonsignificant. b, Brains sections from sucrose-experienced animals show increased ΔFosB immunoreactivity compared with control animals in the NAc by immunohistochemistry. Pictures (10×) are representative of multiple brain sections from six rats in each treatment group. AC, Anterior commissure. c, Brain sections from sexually experienced animals show increased ΔFosB immunoreactivity compared with control counterparts in the NAc by immunohistochemistry. Pictures (10×) are representative of multiple brain sections from six to eight rats in each treatment group.