Chronic intake of a cafeteria diet and subsequent abstinence. Sex-specific effects on gene expression in the mesolimbic reward system

► Effect of chronic cafeteria diet intake and abstinence on the reward system was examined in male and female rats. ► Rats on cafeteria diet had higher fat mass but lost weight during the abstinence period. ► Chronic cafeteria diet intake and increased adiposity was associated with desensitisation of the reward system. ► Changes in TH, D1 and μ-opioid receptor mRNA in the reward system were sex-specific. ► Despite similar physiological outcomes, mechanisms involved in food reward appear to be sex-dependent.