Differential responsiveness in brain and behavior to sexually dimorphic long calls in male and female zebra finches

2009 ◽  
Vol 516 (4) ◽  
pp. 312-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon M.H. Gobes ◽  
Sita M. ter Haar ◽  
Clémentine Vignal ◽  
Amélie L. Vergne ◽  
Nicolas Mathevon ◽  
...  
Author(s):  
C. Sue Carter ◽  
Suma Jacob

The effects of oxytocin and vasopressin on the brain and behavior can be sexually dimorphic, especially during the course of development (Bales, Kim, et al., 2004; Bales, Pfeifer, et al., 2004; Bales, Plotsky, et al., 2007; Bielsky et al., 2005a; Carter, 2003; Thompson et al., 2006; Yamamoto et al., 2005; Yamamoto et al., 2004). Given the sexual discrepancy observed in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), these two neuropeptides, oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP), have received attention for their potential role in ASDs (Green and Hollander, 2010; Insel et al., 1999; Leckman & Herman, 2002; Welch et al., 2005; Winslow, 2005; Young et al., 2002). Changes in either OT or AVP and their receptors could be capable of influencing symptom domains or behaviors associated with ASDs. Arginine vasopressin is androgen dependent in some brain regions (De Vries & Panzica, 2006), and males are more sensitive to AVP, especially during development. We hypothesize here that AVP, which has a unique role in males, must be present in optimal levels to be protective against ASDs. Either excess AVP or disruptions in the AVP system could play a role in development of the traits found in ASDs. In contrast, OT may possibly be secreted in response to adversity, especially in females, serving as a protective factor.


Endocrinology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 161 (10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly J Jennings ◽  
Luis de Lecea

Abstract Gonadal hormones contribute to the sexual differentiation of brain and behavior throughout the lifespan, from initial neural patterning to “activation” of adult circuits. Sexual behavior is an ideal system in which to investigate the mechanisms underlying hormonal activation of neural circuits. Sexual behavior is a hormonally regulated, innate social behavior found across species. Although both sexes seek out and engage in sexual behavior, the specific actions involved in mating are sexually dimorphic. Thus, the neural circuits mediating sexual motivation and behavior in males and females are overlapping yet distinct. Furthermore, sexual behavior is strongly dependent on circulating gonadal hormones in both sexes. There has been significant recent progress on elucidating how gonadal hormones modulate physiological properties within sexual behavior circuits with consequences for behavior. Therefore, in this mini-review we review the neural circuits of male and female sexual motivation and behavior, from initial sensory detection of pheromones to the extended amygdala and on to medial hypothalamic nuclei and reward systems. We also discuss how gonadal hormones impact the physiology and functioning of each node within these circuits. By better understanding the myriad of ways in which gonadal hormones impact sexual behavior circuits, we can gain a richer and more complete appreciation for the neural substrates of complex behavior.


2007 ◽  
Vol 502 (1) ◽  
pp. 157-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd F. Roberts ◽  
J. Martin Wild ◽  
M. Fabiana Kubke ◽  
Richard Mooney

Author(s):  
Anna Kovalchuk ◽  
Richelle Mychasiuk ◽  
Arif Muhammad ◽  
Shakhawat Hossain ◽  
Yaroslav Ilnytskyy ◽  
...  

2022 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meghan L. Donovan ◽  
Eileen K. Chun ◽  
Yan Liu ◽  
Zuoxin Wang

The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) offers a unique opportunity to examine the impacts of adolescent social isolation on the brain, immune system, and behavior. In the current study, male and female prairie voles were randomly assigned to be housed alone or with a same-sex cagemate after weaning (i.e., on postnatal day 21–22) for a 6-week period. Thereafter, subjects were tested for anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and Forced Swim Test (FST), respectively. Blood was collected to measure peripheral cytokine levels, and brain tissue was processed for microglial density in various brain regions, including the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc), Medial Amygdala (MeA), Central Amygdala (CeA), Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), and Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus (PVN). Sex differences were found in EPM and FST behaviors, where male voles had significantly lower total arm entries in the EPM as well as lower latency to immobility in the FST compared to females. A sex by treatment effect was found in peripheral IL-1β levels, where isolated males had a lower level of IL-1β compared to cohoused females. Post-weaning social isolation also altered microglial density in a brain region-specific manner. Isolated voles had higher microglial density in the NAcc, MeA, and CeA, but lower microglial density in the dorsal BNST. Cohoused male voles also had higher microglial density in the PVN compared to cohoused females. Taken together, these data suggest that post-weaning social housing environments can alter peripheral and central immune systems in prairie voles, highlighting a potential role for the immune system in shaping isolation-induced alterations to the brain and behavior.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rana Khalid Iqbal

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that occurs from ancient times and accompanying with convulsions or seizures. Epilepsy has revealed a genetic basis. Epilepsy which is considered as a neurodevelopmental disorder has reduced the life expectancy and associated with various stigmatized attitudes or beliefs. Epilepsy and seizures can develop in any person both in male and female at any age. Head trauma and brain strokes are the major causes of epilepsy in adults. Epilepsy accompanied by changes in behavior, personality, and cognition. Several aspects of epilepsy can affect the brain and behavior. Stigma is a reality for a lot of people with a mental disorder. It is a mark of disgrace which sets a person apart from others. Negative attitudes and beliefs create prejudice which leads to negative actions and discrimination. Stigma and social exclusions are stereotyped characteristics of epilepsy. Someone with a mental illness known to be a dangerous and senseless rather than saying in poor health conditions. There are no effective cures for an epileptic people. Besides, many epileptic therapies or cures are still available for the diagnosis and prevention of people with epilepsy. Epilepsy treatment entails how epilepsy is treated and which techniques and antiepileptic drugs are used.


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