The Role of Sex Hormones in Sexual Differentiation of the Brain: A Review

2001 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. A. Anuka
Keyword(s):  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 371 (1688) ◽  
pp. 20150114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy G. Forger
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Wide Distribution ◽  
Epigenetic Modifications ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanism ◽  
Epigenetic Mechanisms ◽  
Genome Wide ◽  
The Brain

Circumstantial evidence alone argues that the establishment and maintenance of sex differences in the brain depend on epigenetic modifications of chromatin structure. More direct evidence has recently been obtained from two types of studies: those manipulating a particular epigenetic mechanism, and those examining the genome-wide distribution of specific epigenetic marks. The manipulation of histone acetylation or DNA methylation disrupts the development of several neural sex differences in rodents. Taken together, however, the evidence suggests there is unlikely to be a simple formula for masculine or feminine development of the brain and behaviour; instead, underlying epigenetic mechanisms may vary by brain region or even by dependent variable within a region. Whole-genome studies related to sex differences in the brain have only very recently been reported, but suggest that males and females may use different combinations of epigenetic modifications to control gene expression, even in cases where gene expression does not differ between the sexes. Finally, recent findings are discussed that are likely to direct future studies on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in sexual differentiation of the brain and behaviour.

scholarly journals Sex Differences and the Influence of Sex Hormones on Cognition through Adulthood and the Aging Process

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Gurvich ◽  
Kate Hoy ◽  
Natalie Thomas ◽  
Jayashri Kulkarni
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cognitive Functioning ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Health And Disease ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Brain

Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis that regulate reproductive function have multiple effects on the development, maintenance and function of the brain. Sex differences in cognitive functioning have been reported in both health and disease, which may be partly attributed to sex hormones. The aim of the current paper was to provide a theoretical review of how sex hormones influence cognitive functioning across the lifespan as well as provide an overview of the literature on sex differences and the role of sex hormones in cognitive decline, specifically in relation to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A summary of current hormone and sex-based interventions for enhancing cognitive functioning and/or reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease is also provided.

Sporting success among women with different set of sex characteristics

2020 ◽  
pp. 76-81
Author(s):  
Tatiana S. SOBOLEVA ◽  
Dmitry V. SOBOLEV
Keyword(s):  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Subsequent Development ◽  
Sex Characteristics ◽  
Pathological State ◽  
Special Role ◽  
Prenatal Period ◽  
Adrenogenital Syndrome ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
The Brain

Success of sportswomen closely connects with peculiarities of formation of characteristics dependent on sex. Sexual differentiation of the brain from the intrauterine period is particularly important. Male sex hormones (androgens) play a special role in this process. Congenital adrenogenital syndrome forms prenatal increase of their concentration. This adrenal pathology in the mother or inherited in the girl creates a pathological state of hyperandrogenia (excessive content of androgens). This pathology forms a maskulinization (similar to a man) of the state of the female organism. Such a feature begins with a prenatal period followed by activation especially during puberty. Maskulinization of the girl's body is an important prerequisite for sports from childhood with subsequent development in adulthood.

The under-appreciated role of the androgen receptor (AR) in sexual differentiation of the brain

2009 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. S11
Author(s):  
S. Marc Breedlove ◽  
Damian G. Zuloaga ◽  
Cynthia L. Jordan
Keyword(s):  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Potential Role of Maternal Progesterone in the Sexual Differentiation of the Brain

Endocrinology ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 139 (8) ◽  
pp. 3658-3661 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine K. Wagner ◽  
Ann Y. Nakayama ◽  
Geert J. De Vries
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Kisspeptins in physiology and pathology of sex development - new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-12
Author(s):  
Irina Leorovna Nikitina ◽  
Alekber Azizovich Bayramov ◽  
Yuliya Nikolaevna Khoduleva ◽  
Petr Dmitriyevich Shabanov
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive System ◽  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
System Development ◽  
Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
New Therapeutic Approaches ◽  
Sex Development ◽  
Human Reproductive ◽  
Modern Knowledge ◽  
The Brain

The article is dedicated to mechanisms of the human reproductive system development mechanisms. The evolution of the opinions on that processes was analysed. The review of modern knowledge of molecular and genetic causes of sex development, new mechanisms of gonadal axis regulation and role of kisspeptins in pubertat start and sexual differentiation of the brain are presented. The new actual directions of scientific research as well as the applications of kisspeptin drugs for new therapeutic approaches, treatment of hormone-dependent diseases and abnormalities of sex developmentare are observed.

Role of oestrogen receptor in androgen-induced sexual differentiation of the brain

Nature ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 262 (5567) ◽  
pp. 407-408 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. R. WESTLEY ◽  
D. F. SALAMAN
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Differentiation ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
The Brain

scholarly journals Sex-steroid-dependent plasticity of brain-stem autonomic circuits

2020 ◽  
Vol 319 (1) ◽  
pp. R60-R68
Author(s):  
Erica L. Littlejohn ◽  
Stephanie Fedorchak ◽  
Carie R. Boychuk
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Brain Stem ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Nucleus Tractus Solitarius ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Vagal Afferents ◽  
Motor Nucleus ◽  
Peripheral Sensory ◽  
The Brain

In the central nervous system (CNS), nuclei of the brain stem play a critical role in the integration of peripheral sensory information and the regulation of autonomic output in mammalian physiology. The nucleus tractus solitarius of the brain stem acts as a relay center that receives peripheral sensory input from vagal afferents of the nodose ganglia, integrates information from within the brain stem and higher central centers, and then transmits autonomic efferent output through downstream premotor nuclei, such as the nucleus ambiguus, the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, and the rostral ventral lateral medulla. Although there is mounting evidence that sex and sex hormones modulate autonomic physiology at the level of the CNS, the mechanisms and neurocircuitry involved in producing these functional consequences are poorly understood. Of particular interest in this review is the role of estrogen, progesterone, and 5α-reductase-dependent neurosteroid metabolites of progesterone (e.g., allopregnanolone) in the modulation of neurotransmission within brain-stem autonomic neurocircuits. This review will discuss our understanding of the actions and mechanisms of estrogen, progesterone, and neurosteroids at the cellular level of brain-stem nuclei. Understanding the complex interaction between sex hormones and neural signaling plasticity of the autonomic nervous system is essential to elucidating the role of sex in overall physiology and disease.

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