Title: | Signal processing in the vomeronasal system: modulation of sexual behavior in the female rat |
Author(s): | Dudley CA; Rajendren G; Moss RL; |
Address: | "University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Department of Physiology, Dallas 75235-9040, USA" |
DOI: | 10.1615/critrevneurobiol.v10.i3-4.10 |
ISSN/ISBN: | 0892-0915 (Print) 0892-0915 (Linking) |
Abstract: | "Chemosensory cues detected by the vomeronasal (VN) organ modulate a variety of social interactions in many species. In particular, activation of the VN system by pheromones regulates sexual behavior in the rodent. Although the exact nature of stimulus access to the organ is not clearly defined, the neuroanatomical pathway connecting the VN organ to hypothalamic centers controlling reproductive function is well established and relatively straightforward. Electrophysiological techniques have provided insight into the signal transduction process throughout the VN system. Combining behavioral studies with immunocytochemical detection of immediate early genes and neuropeptides reveals that gonadotropin hormone releasing hormone (GnRH)-containing neurons are specifically activated by stimulation of the VN organ. Furthermore, some of the activated GnRH neurons project to the ventromedial hypothalamus where they are hypothesized to induce sexual responsiveness. Early anecdotal evidence of an influence of the VN organ on human reproductive events has been substantiated by more recent anatomical, behavioral, and electrophysiological studies. Thus, further deciphering of the signal transduction process within the VN system of the rodent may yield unique insights into behaviors associated with human reproduction" |
Keywords: | Amygdala/physiology Animals Axonal Transport Electrophysiology Female Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/physiology Humans Hypothalamus/physiology Male Neurotransmitter Agents/physiology Olfactory Bulb/physiology Rats Reproduction Sexual Behavior *Sexual Beha; |
Notes: | "MedlineDudley, C A Rajendren, G Moss, R L eng 5RO1 MH41784/MH/NIMH NIH HHS/ DC02120/DC/NIDCD NIH HHS/ Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S. Review 1996/01/01 Crit Rev Neurobiol. 1996; 10(3-4):265-90. doi: 10.1615/critrevneurobiol.v10.i3-4.10" |