Sexual behavior in female rats depends on the action of estradiol on estrogen receptors (ERs) found in particular brain regions. While hormonal regulation of female sexual behavior requires ER , the possible functions of ER remain to be clarified. Mating stimulation has several behavioral and physiological consequences and induces Fos expression in many brain areas involved in the regulation of...

NOONAN, M. AND M. B. KRJSTAL. Effects (~fmedial preoptic lesions on placentophaRia and on the onset ofmaternal be­ havior in the rat. PHYSJOL. BEHAV. 22(6) 1197-1202, 1979.-Lesions of the medial preoptic area (MPO) were produced through permanently indwelling electrodes 24 hr prior to parturition in pregnant rats, or 24 hr prior to donor-placenta presentation in virgin rats determined in a pret...

OBJECTIVES To study the role of opioids in early postnatal changes of the hypothalamic testosterone metabolism and catecholamine content underlying feminizing effect of prenatal stress on male sexual behavior in rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS 10 day-old male and female offspring from mothers given naltrexone prior to daily 1-hour restraint during the last gestational week were used in the study. ...

Introduction: The role of estrogen in the stimulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons is clear. These neurons do not express estrogen alpha receptors, so other mediator neurons should be present to transmit the positive feedback effect of estrogen to the GnRH neurons. Kisspeptin neurons have an important role in the stimulation of GnRH neurons, so they can be the mediator of...