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Karigo T. Gaining insights into the internal states of the rodent brain through vocal communications. Neurosci Res 2022; 184:1-8. [PMID: 35908736 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Animals display various behaviors during social interactions. Social behaviors have been proposed to be driven by the internal states of the animals, reflecting their emotional or motivational states. However, the internal states that drive social behaviors are complex and difficult to interpret. Many animals, including mice, use vocalizations for communication in various social contexts. This review provides an overview of current understandings of mouse vocal communications, its underlying neural circuitry, and the potential to use vocal communications as a readout for the animal's internal states during social interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Karigo
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering 140-18,TianQiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena CA 91125, USA; Present address: Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; The Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Sexual excitation induces courtship ultrasonic vocalizations and cataplexy-like behavior in orexin neuron-ablated male mice. Commun Biol 2021; 4:165. [PMID: 33547399 PMCID: PMC7864915 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cataplexy is triggered by laughter in humans and palatable food in mice. To further evaluate mice’s cataplexy, we examined courtship behavior in orexin neuron-ablated mice (ORX-AB), one of the animal models of narcolepsy/cataplexy. Wild-type female mice were placed into the home cage of male ORX-AB and cataplexy-like behavior was observed along with ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), also known as the “love song”. ORX-AB with a female encounter showed cataplexy-like behavior both during the dark and light periods, whereas ORX-AB with chocolate predominantly showed it during the dark period. During the light period observation, more than 85% of cataplexy-like bouts were preceded by USVs. A strong positive correlation was observed between the number of USVs and cataplexy-like bouts. Cataplexy-like behavior in narcoleptic mice is a good behavioral measure to study the brain mechanisms behind positive emotion because they can be induced by different kinds of positive stimuli, including chocolate and female courtship. Kuwaki and Kanno examine courtship behavior in orexin neuron-ablated mice (ORX-AB), which are a model of narcolepsy/cataplexy. They find that ORX-AB mice showed cataplexy-like behavior during both dark and light periods in response to a female encounter, however this behavior was predominantly present during dark periods when exposed to chocolate. Studying cataplexy-like behavior in narcoleptic mice is useful for understanding mechanisms behind positive emotions, such as those associated with chocolate and courtship.
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Zala SM, Nicolakis D, Marconi MA, Noll A, Ruf T, Balazs P, Penn DJ. Primed to vocalize: Wild-derived male house mice increase vocalization rate and diversity after a previous encounter with a female. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242959. [PMID: 33296411 PMCID: PMC7725367 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Males in a wide variety of taxa, including insects, birds and mammals, produce vocalizations to attract females. Male house mice emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), especially during courtship and mating, which are surprising complex. It is often suggested that male mice vocalize at higher rates after interacting with a female, but the evidence is mixed depending upon the strain of mice. We conducted a study with wild-derived house mice (Mus musculus musculus) to test whether male courtship vocalizations (i.e., vocalizations emitted in a sexual context) are influenced by a prior direct interaction with a female, and if so, determine how long the effect lasts. We allowed sexually naïve males to directly interact with a female for five minutes (sexual priming), and then we recorded males'vocalizations either 1, 10, 20, or 30 days later when presented with an unfamiliar female (separated by a perforated partition) and female scent. We automatically detected USVs and processed recordings using the Automatic Mouse Ultrasound Detector (A-MUD version 3.2), and we describe our improved version of this tool and tests of its performance. We measured vocalization rate and spectro-temporal features and we manually classified USVs into 15 types to investigate priming effects on vocal repertoire diversity and composition. After sexual priming, males emitted nearly three times as many USVs, they had a larger repertoire diversity, and their vocalizations had different spectro-temporal features (USV length, slope and variability in USV frequency) compared to unprimed controls. Unprimed control males had the most distinctive repertoire composition compared to the primed groups. Most of the effects were found when comparing unprimed to all primed males (treatment models), irrespective of the time since priming. Timepoint models showed that USV length increased 1 day after priming, that repertoire diversity increased 1 and 20 days after priming, and that the variability of USV frequencies was lower 20 and 30 days after priming. Our results show that wild-derived male mice increased the number and diversity of courtship vocalizations if they previously interacted with a female. Thus, the USVs of house mice are not only context-dependent, they depend upon previous social experience and perhaps the contexts of these experiences. The effect of sexual priming on male courtship vocalizations is likely mediated by neuro-endocrine-mechanisms, which may function to advertise males' sexual arousal and facilitate social recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Zala
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Nicolakis
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Anton Noll
- Acoustic Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Ruf
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Balazs
- Acoustic Research Institute, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dustin J. Penn
- Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
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Sasaki E, Tomita Y, Kanno K. Sex differences in vocalizations to familiar or unfamiliar females in mice. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2020; 7:201529. [PMID: 33489288 PMCID: PMC7813254 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mice, both wild and laboratory strains, emit ultrasound to communicate. The sex differences between male to female (male-female) and female to female (female-female) ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) have been discussed for decades. In the present study, we compared the number of USVs emitted to familiar and unfamiliar females by both males (male-female USVs) and females (female-female USVs). We found that females vocalized more to unfamiliar than to familiar females. By contrast, males exhibited more USVs to familiar partners. This sexually dimorphic behaviour suggests that mice change their vocal behaviour in response to the social context, and their perception of the context is based on social cognition and memory. In addition, because males vocalized more to familiar females, USVs appear to be not only a response to novel objects or individuals, but also a social response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kouta Kanno
- Author for correspondence: Kouta Kanno e-mail:
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Mhaouty-Kodja S. Courtship vocalizations: A potential biomarker of adult exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds? Mol Cell Endocrinol 2020; 501:110664. [PMID: 31765692 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.110664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In rodents, male courtship is stimulated by pheromones emitted by the sexually receptive female. In response, the male produces ultrasonic vocalizations, which appear to play a role in female attraction and facilitate copulation. The present review summarizes the main findings on courtship vocalizations and their tight regulation by sex steroid hormones. It describes studies that address the effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC) on ultrasound production, as changes in hormone levels or their signaling pathways may interfere with the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations. It also discusses the potential use of this behavior as a noninvasive biomarker of adult exposure to EDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, Neuroscience Paris Seine - Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, 7 quai St Bernard, Bât A 3ème étage, 75005, Paris, France.
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Hull EM, Dominguez JM. Neuroendocrine Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior. Compr Physiol 2019; 9:1383-1410. [DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Medial Preoptic Area Modulates Courtship Ultrasonic Vocalization in Adult Male Mice. Neurosci Bull 2019; 35:697-708. [PMID: 30900143 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-019-00365-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult male mice emit highly complex ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in response to female conspecifics. Such USVs, thought to facilitate courtship behaviors, are routinely measured as a behavioral index in mouse models of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders such as autism. While the regulation of USVs by genetic factors has been extensively characterized, the neural mechanisms that control USV production remain largely unknown. Here, we report that optogenetic activation of the medial preoptic area (mPOA) elicited the production of USVs that were acoustically similar to courtship USVs in adult mice. Moreover, mPOA vesicular GABA transporter-positive (Vgat +) neurons were more effective at driving USV production than vesicular glutamate transporter 2-positive neurons. Furthermore, ablation of mPOA Vgat+ neurons resulted in altered spectral features and syllable usage of USVs in targeted males. Together, these results demonstrate that the mPOA plays a crucial role in modulating courtship USVs and this may serve as an entry point for future dissection of the neural circuitry underlying USV production.
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Le Moëne O, Ågmo A. The neuroendocrinology of sexual attraction. Front Neuroendocrinol 2018; 51:46-67. [PMID: 29288076 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Sexual attraction has two components: Emission of sexually attractive stimuli and responsiveness to these stimuli. In rodents, olfactory stimuli are necessary but not sufficient for attraction. We argue that body odors are far superior to odors from excreta (urine, feces) as sexual attractants. Body odors are produced by sebaceous glands all over the body surface and in specialized glands. In primates, visual stimuli, for example the sexual skin, are more important than olfactory. The role of gonadal hormones for the production of and responsiveness to odorants is well established. Both the androgen and the estrogen receptor α are important in male as well as in female rodents. Also in primates, gonadal hormones are necessary for the responsiveness to sexual attractants. In males, the androgen receptor is sufficient for sustaining responsiveness. In female non-human primates, estrogens are needed, whereas androgens seem to contribute to responsiveness in women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Ågmo
- Department of Psychology, University of Tromsø, Norway.
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A single testosterone pulse rapidly reduces urinary marking behaviour in subordinate, but not dominant, white-footed mice. Anim Behav 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Petrulis A. Chemosignals and hormones in the neural control of mammalian sexual behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:255-67. [PMID: 23911848 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2013] [Revised: 07/19/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Males and females of most mammalian species depend on chemosignals to find, attract and evaluate mates and, in most cases, these appetitive sexual behaviors are strongly modulated by activational and organizational effects of sex steroids. The neural circuit underlying chemosensory-mediated pre- and peri-copulatory behavior involves the medial amygdala (MA), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), medial preoptic area (MPOA) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), each area being subdivided into interconnected chemoreceptive and hormone-sensitive zones. For males, MA-BNST connections mediate chemoinvestigation whereas the MA-MPOA pathway regulates copulatory initiation. For females, MA-MPOA/BNST connections also control aspects of precopulatory behavior whereas MA-VMH projections control both precopulatory and copulatory behavior. Significant gaps in understanding remain, including the role of VMH in male behavior and MPOA in female appetitive behavior, the function of cortical amygdala, the underlying chemical architecture of this circuit and sex differences in hormonal and neurochemical regulation of precopulatory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aras Petrulis
- Georgia State University, Neuroscience Institute, 100 Piedmont Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
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Fuxjager MJ, Schultz JD, Barske J, Feng NY, Fusani L, Mirzatoni A, Day LB, Hau M, Schlinger BA. Spinal motor and sensory neurons are androgen targets in an acrobatic bird. Endocrinology 2012; 153:3780-91. [PMID: 22635677 PMCID: PMC5393326 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Sex steroids affect the motivation to court mates, but less is known about how they influence motor movements associated with courtship behavior. Steroidal control of motor function may be especially important for species in which courtship requires superior strength, stamina, and neuromuscular coordination. Here we use the golden-collared manakin (Manacus vitellinus) to examine whether the neuromuscular circuitry that controls motoric aspects of courtship activity is sensitive to androgens. Males of this tropical species attract mates by rapidly jumping among branches in a courtship arena and using their wings to produce loud wing snaps. Testosterone activates this display via the androgen receptor (AR), and past work reveals that manakins injected with radio-labeled T ((3)H-T) accumulate radioactivity in the spinal cord. Thus, we used quantitative PCR to measure AR, estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) subtype, and aromatase (AROM) mRNA in spinal cords of male and female manakins and zebra finches. Expression of AR, but not ER-α or aromatase, was higher throughout the manakin spinal cord compared with the zebra finch. Next, we tested whether AR-expressing skeletal muscles are innervated by motor and sensory neurons that also express AR. To do this, we backfilled spinal neurons by injecting fluorescent tracers into select AR-sensitive wing and leg muscles of wild caught male and female manakins. We then removed these spinal cords and measured AR expression with in situ hybridization. Both sexes showed abundant AR mRNA in the cervical and lumbosacral spinal enlargements as well as in dorsal root ganglia attached to these enlargements. Together our findings suggest that androgens act widely on peripheral motor and sensory circuits in golden-collared manakins to influence wing snapping displays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Fuxjager
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-7239, USA
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Bialy M, Kalata U, Nikolaev-Diak A, Nikolaev E. D1 receptors involved in the acquisition of sexual experience in male rats. Behav Brain Res 2010; 206:166-76. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Revised: 08/27/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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Nyby JG. Adult house mouse (Mus musculus) ultrasonic calls: hormonal and pheromonal regulation. HANDBOOK OF BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-374593-4.00029-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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15
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Abstract
The hormonal factors and neural circuitry that control copulation are similar across rodent species, although there are differences in specific behavior patterns. Both estradiol (E) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contribute to the activation of mating, although E is more important for copulation and DHT for genital reflexes. Hormonal activation of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is most effective, although implants in the medial amygdala (MeA) can also stimulate mounting in castrates. Chemosensory inputs from the main and accessory olfactory systems are the most important stimuli for mating in rodents, especially in hamsters, although genitosensory input also contributes. Dopamine agonists facilitate sexual behavior, and serotonin (5-HT) is generally inhibitory, though certain 5-HT receptor subtypes facilitate erection or ejaculation. Norepinephrine agonists and opiates have dose-dependent effects, with low doses facilitating and high doses inhibiting behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine M Hull
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA.
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Nagypál A, Wood RI. Region-specific mechanisms for testosterone-induced Fos in hamster brain. Brain Res 2007; 1141:197-204. [PMID: 17276422 PMCID: PMC1857344 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2007.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2006] [Revised: 01/05/2007] [Accepted: 01/06/2007] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Hamsters self-administer androgens. Previously, we determined that testosterone (T) activates select steroid- and opiate-sensitive brain regions. Is T-stimulated neuronal activation androgenic? Thirty-five castrated males with physiologic T replacement (n=7/group) were pre-treated with the androgen antagonist flutamide (15 mg/kg sc) or ethanol (0.25 ml) and infused into the lateral ventricle (ICV) for 4 h with 40 microg T (TF and TE, respectively) or 40 microl vehicle (VF and VE). To determine if androgens and opiates activate overlapping brain areas, 7 additional males received 20 mug morphine sulfate ICV following ethanol injection (ME). Immediately after ICV infusion, animals were perfused. Sixty-micrometer coronal brain slices were stained for Fos. Fos-positive neurons were counted in a 0.3-mm(2) area from 5 regions previously shown to express T-induced Fos: the posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTPM), posteromedial amygdala (MeP), lateral habenula (LHb), ventral tegmental area, and lateral pontine nucleus. T induced Fos in all areas reported previously (TE vs. VE, p<0.05), except LHb (p>0.05). Morphine induced Fos in all 5 brain regions (ME vs. VE, p<0.05), indicating that androgens and opiates activate overlapping brain regions. Flutamide alone did not induce Fos (VF vs. VE, p>0.05). Moreover, flutamide treatment blocked T-induced Fos expression only in the steroid-sensitive BSTPM, suggesting that androgens mediate neuronal activation in this area (mean+/-SEM: TF: 68.4+/-13.2 vs. TE: 137.9+/-17.6, p<0.05). The absence of flutamide effects on T-induced Fos in the steroid-sensitive MeP (TE: 210.6+/-50.0 vs. TF: 215.3+/-28.2, p>0.05) suggests that distinct mechanisms activate Fos in individual androgen-responsive nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth I. Wood
- Address all reprint requests and correspondence to Ruth I. Wood, Department of Cell and Neurobiology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, 1333 San Pablo St., BMT 401, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Telephone (323) 442-1980, Fax: (323) 442-3466, e-mail:
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Mitsushima D, Yamada K, Takase K, Funabashi T, Kimura F. Sex differences in the basolateral amygdala: the extracellular levels of serotonin and dopamine, and their responses to restraint stress in rats. Eur J Neurosci 2006; 24:3245-54. [PMID: 17156385 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05214.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The sex difference in the emotional response to stress suggests a sex-specific stress response in the amygdala. To examine the sex difference in extracellular levels of serotonin (5HT) and dopamine (DA) in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and their responses to restraint stress, in vivo microdialysis studies were performed in male and female rats. In experiment I, dialysates were collected from the BLA at 15-min intervals under the freely moving condition. Mean extracellular levels of 5HT or DA in the BLA were higher in male rats than in female rats. In experiment II, rats were subjected to restraint stress for 60 min to examine the stress response of 5HT or DA levels. Although restraint stress significantly increased extracellular 5HT levels in both sexes of rats, female rats showed a greater response than male rats. Moreover, restraint stress significantly increased extracellular DA levels in female rats, but not in male rats. In experiment III, rats were subjected to restraint stress for 30 min to examine behavioral responses to restraint stress. Although no sex difference was observed in the number of audible vocalizations, male rats defecated a larger number of fecal pellets than female rats. In experiment IV, rats were tested for freezing behavior to examine contextual fear responses. Conditioned male rats showed a longer freezing time than conditioned female rats. We found sex differences in the extracellular levels of 5HT and DA in the BLA and their responses to restraint stress, which may be involved in the sex-specific emotional response to stress in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Mitsushima
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, 3-9 Fukuura Kanazawaku, Yokohama 236-0004, Japan
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Yoon H, Enquist LW, Dulac C. Olfactory inputs to hypothalamic neurons controlling reproduction and fertility. Cell 2006; 123:669-82. [PMID: 16290037 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2005.08.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2004] [Revised: 07/29/2005] [Accepted: 08/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In order to gain insight into sensory processing modulating reproductive behavioral and endocrine changes, we have aimed at identifying afferent pathways to neurons synthesizing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH, also known as gonadotropin-releasing hormone [GnRH]), a key neurohormone of reproduction. Injection of conditional pseudorabies virus into the brain of an LHRH::CRE mouse line led to the identification of neuronal networks connected to LHRH neurons. Remarkably, and in contrast to established notions on the nature of LHRH neuronal inputs, our data identify major olfactory projection pathways originating from a discrete population of olfactory sensory neurons but fail to document any synaptic connectivity with the vomeronasal system. Accordingly, chemosensory modulation of LHRH neuronal activity and mating behavior are dramatically impaired in absence of olfactory function, while they appear unaffected in mouse mutants lacking vomeronasal signaling. Further visualization of afferents to LHRH neurons across the brain offers a unique opportunity to uncover complex polysynaptic circuits modulating reproduction and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayan Yoon
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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Burns-Cusato M, Scordalakes EM, Rissman EF. Of mice and missing data: what we know (and need to learn) about male sexual behavior. Physiol Behav 2005; 83:217-32. [PMID: 15488541 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2004.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
With recent advances in molecular genetics, the popularity of mice as subjects for behavioral neuroscience is increasing at an exponential rate. Unfortunately, the existing body of knowledge on sexual behavior in male mice is not large and many basic gaps exist. The assumption that what is true of rats is also true of mice is a dangerous one that can misdirect and, in the worst case, impede progress. We summarize the current knowledge about the sexual behavior of male mice, with an emphasis on hormonal bases of these behaviors. Behavioral differences between strains, developmental actions of steroids, activational actions of steroids given peripherally and in the brain, and data generated in various receptor knockout and related mice are discussed. In addition, suggestions are made for the standardization of experimental protocols used in investigations of the sexual physiology and behavior of male mice in order to facilitate between-experiment and between-laboratory comparisons and to expedite the growth of knowledge in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Burns-Cusato
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Jordan Hall, 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, P.O. Box 800733, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA 22909, USA.
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Roney JR, Mahler SV, Maestripieri D. Behavioral and hormonal responses of men to brief interactions with women. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s1090-5138(03)00053-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Abstract
Eight experiments supported the hypotheses that reflexive testosterone release by male mice during sexual encounters reduces male anxiety (operationally defined in terms of behavior on an elevated plus-maze) and that this anxiolysis is mediated by the conversion of testosterone to neurosteroids that interact with GABA(A) receptors. In Experiment 1, a 10-min exposure to opposite-sex conspecifics significantly reduced both male and female anxiety 20 min later (as indexed by increased open-arm time on an elevated plus-maze) compared to control mice not receiving this exposure. In contrast, locomotor activity (as indexed by enclosed-arm entries on the elevated plus-maze) was not significantly affected. The remaining experiments examined only male behavior. In Experiment 2, exposure to female urine alone was anxiolytic while locomotor activity was not significantly affected. Thus, urinary pheromones of female mice likely initiated the events leading to the male anxiolysis. In phase 1 of Experiment 3, sc injections of 500 microg of testosterone significantly reduced anxiety 30 min later while locomotor activity was not significantly affected. Thus, testosterone elevations were associated with reduced male anxiety and the time course consistent with a nongenomic, or very rapid genomic, mechanism of testosterone action. In phase 2 of Experiment 3, the anxiolytic effect of testosterone was dose dependent with a 250 microg sc injection required. Thus, testosterone levels likely must be well above baseline levels (i.e., in the range induced by pulsatile release) in order to induce anxiolysis. In Experiment 4, a high dosage of 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone was more anxiolytic than a high dosage of estradiol benzoate, suggesting that testosterone action may require 5alpha-reduction. In Experiments 5 and 6, 3alpha,5alpha-reduced neurosteroid metabolites of testosterone (androsterone and 3alpha-androstandione) were both anxiolytic at a lower dosage (100 microg/sc injection) than testosterone, supporting the notion that testosterone is converted into neurosteroid metabolites for anxiolytic activity. Experiments 7 and 8 found that either picrotoxin or bicucculine, noncompetitive and competitive antagonists of the GABA(A) receptor, respectively, blocked the anxiolytic effects of testosterone. However, conclusions from these 2 experiments must be tempered by the reduction in locomotor activity that was also seen. The possible brain locations of testosterone action as well as the possible adaptive significance of this anxiolytic response are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L Aikey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA
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McGinnis MY, Montana RC, Lumia AR. Effects of hydroxyflutamide in the medial preoptic area or lateral septum on reproductive behaviors in male rats. Brain Res Bull 2002; 59:227-34. [PMID: 12431753 DOI: 10.1016/s0361-9230(02)00869-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether androgen receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA) and lateral septum (LS) are required for the expression of copulation and sexual motivation. Castrated males received testosterone-filled silastic capsules to restore behavior, and were implanted with the antiandrogen hydroxyflutamide (OHF) or blank cannulae. One group was implanted in either the anteroventral MPOA or LS (ANT group). Another group was implanted in the posterodorsal MPOA or LS (POST group). Copulation was tested on days 2, 6, 10, and 14 of OHF exposure; partner preference, a measure of sexual motivation, was tested on day 15. The results showed that sexual behavior was significantly suppressed by OHF in the MPOA of the ANT group, but not the POST group. However, sexual motivation was significantly reduced by OHF in the MPOA of the POST group, but not the ANT group. In the LS, OHF had no effect on sexual behavior and partner preference regardless of implant site. The data suggest site specificity within the MPOA for androgen receptor activation of male reproductive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Y McGinnis
- Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Center for Anatomy and Functional Morphology, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Frye CA, Park D, Tanaka M, Rosellini R, Svare B. The testosterone metabolite and neurosteroid 3alpha-androstanediol may mediate the effects of testosterone on conditioned place preference. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2001; 26:731-50. [PMID: 11500254 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4530(01)00027-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Testosterone (T) and pregnane neurosteroids can enhance conditioned place preference (CPP). The present experiment examined CPP produced by T and its androgenic metabolite dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 3alpha-Androstanediol (3alpha-diol; an androstane neurosteroid). Administration of 3alpha-diol (>DHT>T) to intact male Long-Evans rats, 1.0 mg daily for six days, 30 min prior to exposure to the non-preferred side of the CPP chamber significantly increased preference for the non-preferred side of the chamber compared to that seen in home cage controls. Levels of circulating 3alpha-diol were increased significantly in 3alpha-diol>DHT>T-administered rats, compared to rats that had vehicle administered or androgen-administration discontinued. Androgen administration decreased seminal vesicle weight and intrahypothalamic androgen receptor (AR) binding compared to that seen in rats that had vehicle administered or androgen-administration discontinued. Testosterone, DHT, and 3alpha-diol decreased GABA-stimulated chloride influx in cortical synaptoneurosomes, and muscimol binding in the hippocampus compared to that seen in rats with vehicle administered or that had androgen-administration discontinued. These data indicate that administration of 3alpha-diol is more effective at enhancing CPP and increasing circulating 3alpha-diol levels than is DHT or T administration, and that all of the androgen regimens employed decreased peripheral and hypothalamic androgen receptor binding and cortical and hippocampal GABA(A) receptor function. Hence, whether the effects of 3 alpha-diol on CPP are mediated by differential actions at ARs or GABA(A) receptors in particular brain regions needs to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222, USA.
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Wood RI, Williams SJ. Steroidal control of male hamster sexual behavior in Me and MPOA: effects of androgen dose and tamoxifen. Physiol Behav 2001; 72:727-33. [PMID: 11337005 DOI: 10.1016/s0031-9384(01)00427-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Steroids stimulate male sexual behavior through interconnected limbic nuclei, including the medial amygdala (Me) and medial preoptic area (MPOA). Although Me and MPOA each can transduce hormonal cues to induce sexual activity in castrated male hamsters, simultaneous stimulation of Me and MPOA fails to amplify mating. The present study extends our investigations of redundancy in the hormonal control of mating by testing the behavioral effects of (1) increasing steroid dose in a single brain region or (2) locally blocking steroid action with an estrogen antagonist. In Experiment 1, sexually experienced castrates received a single testosterone implant in Me, bilateral testosterone implants, or a single implant of a highly potent androgen, 7a-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT). These treatments stimulated mating behavior: 2 weeks after surgery, mounting was observed in > or =50% of the males in each group. In Experiment 2, castrated males received intracerebral implants of the estrogen antagonist tamoxifen in Me or MPOA, combined with systemic testosterone replacement. Tamoxifen in MPOA had minimal effects on the recovery of mating behavior. With tamoxifen in Me, mounts and intromissions were significantly reduced 18 days after surgery. However, the percent of males in each group that expressed mounts, intromissions or ejaculations was not different. Thus, in Experiment 1, increasing the amount of steroid does not amplify mating. Likewise, local blockade of hormone action in Experiment 2 does not prevent behavior. These findings support the concept that steroids are largely permissive for male sex behavior. Steroid stimulation of either Me or MPOA is sufficient for sexual activity. Conversely, neither Me nor MPOA has an absolute requirement for hormones to facilitate expression of mating.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Wood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA.
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Frye CA, Vongher JM. Progesterone has rapid and membrane effects in the facilitation of female mouse sexual behavior. Brain Res 1999; 815:259-69. [PMID: 9878774 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-8993(98)01132-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Ovariectomized (ovx) mice require both estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) administration to reinstate feminine sexual behavior (lordosis). The importance of P's actions at E2-induced intracellular progestin receptors (PRs) to facilitate lordosis was investigated in PR knockout (PRKO) mice, PRKO's wild type littermates (C57X129), and wild type C57BL/6J (C57) mice. Subjects were ovx, E2-primed (0.5 microg) and tested following intravenous (i. v.) and intercereberal P. Intravenous P (200 microg) significantly increased lordosis of all mice within 10 min of P, but vehicle infusion did not (Experiment 1). Intravenous P significantly increased the amount and duration and reduced the latency of lordosis, over that seen with vehicle infusion, in PRKO and wild type mice. Whole brain concentrations of P and its 5alpha-reduced metabolite, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP), which has low affinity for intracellular PRs, were also increased following P compared to vehicle infusion. Progesterone, but not vehicle infusions, significantly increased the number of PR-immunoreactive (PR-IR) cells in the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) of C57 and C57X129 mice and increased number of 3alpha, 5alpha-THP-immunoreactive (3alpha,5alpha-THP-IR) cells in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of all mice. In Experiment 2, P conjugated to bovine serum albumin (P:BSA) increased lordosis when applied bilaterally to both the VMH and VTA of E2-primed mice more than BSA implants. Progesterone implants increased the number of PR-IR cells in the VMH of C57 and C57X129 mice and the number of 3alpha,5alpha-THP-IR cells in the VTA of all mice. The rapid facilitation of lordosis with i.v. P infusion and increases in lordosis when P's effects are relegated to the membrane in the VMH and VTA of PRKO and wild type mice suggest that P may facilitate lordosis through actions at substrates other than intracellular PRs. The present findings suggest a role of 3alpha,5alpha-THP.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Frye
- Department of Psychology, SUNY, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222,
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27
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Coolen LM, Wood RI. Testosterone stimulation of the medial preoptic area and medial amygdala in the control of male hamster sexual behavior: redundancy without amplification. Behav Brain Res 1999; 98:143-53. [PMID: 10210530 DOI: 10.1016/s0166-4328(98)00063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Receptors for gonadal steroids are present in an interconnected network of limbic nuclei. The existence of this network structure has important implications for how steroids control reproductive physiology and behavior. In 1986, Cottingham and Pfaff proposed that properties of a steroid-responsive neural network could include redundancy, amplification, stability and selective filtering. The present study tested the concept of steroid amplification, using male hamster sexual behavior as a model. In the male hamster, the medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me) and medial preoptic area (MPOA) are essential for mating behavior, and both nuclei transduce steroid cues to facilitate copulation. To determine if steroid action at multiple interconnected nuclei amplifies mating, the present study compared sexual behavior in castrated male hamsters bearing unilateral intracranial implants of testosterone in Me or MPOA with that of males with dual testosterone implants in Me and MPOA. Implants that stimulated androgen receptor-containing neurons in Me or MPOA stimulated copulatory behavior above castrate levels. However, behavior of males with dual implants was not significantly different from that of males with single implants. This suggests that steroid action at either MPOA or Me is sufficient to facilitate mating, but dual stimulation of these reciprocally-connected nuclei does not amplify sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Coolen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA
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Sipos ML, Nyby JG. Intracranial androgenic activation of male-typical behaviours in house mice: concurrent stimulation of the medial preoptic area and medial nucleus of the amygdala. J Neuroendocrinol 1998; 10:577-86. [PMID: 9725709 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2826.1998.00215.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This experiment examined whether testosterone proprionate (T) action in the medial preoptic area (MPO) would synergize with T action in the medial nucleus of the amygdala (AME) for the expression of androgen-dependent behaviors in house mice. Cannulae containing T were bilaterally implanted into the MPO, the AME, or both areas concurrently (MPO/AME) of castrated males. In addition, other castrates were implanted subcutaneously with empty Silastic capsules (BSIL) or Silastic capsules containing T (TSIL). All subjects were examined for the following androgen-dependent, male-typical behaviors: mounting, urinary scent marking, preference for female urine over male urine, preference for female over male conspecifics and ultrasonic mating vocalizations. MPO implants restored ultrasonic vocalizations and preference for females, but had little or no effect upon urine marking, mounting or preference for female urine. In contrast, AME implants were ineffective at restoring any of these male-typical behaviors. The combined MPO/AME implants were not more effective in restoring male-typical behaviors than MPO implants alone, thus providing no evidence for synergy in hormone action between these two brain areas. In general, castration (BSIL) resulted in low levels of all behaviors whereas systemic T replacement (TSIL) resulted in high levels of behavior, verifying the androgen-dependence of these behaviors. Group differences in male-typical behavior could not be accounted for by differences in general activity levels. Moreover, none of the brain-implanted groups had larger seminal vesicles than those of the BSIL. Thus, when the brain implants affected behavior, they most probably did so through their effects within the brain. Although the AME is a target for steroid hormones and is an important area for the expression of male-typical behaviors, intracranial T implants into the AME did not demonstrate a role for androgen in the AME in restoring male-typical behaviors in castrated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Sipos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA
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Wood RI. Functions of the steroid-responsive neural network in the control of male hamster sexual behavior. Trends Endocrinol Metab 1996; 7:338-44. [PMID: 18406769 DOI: 10.1016/s1043-2760(96)00155-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal steroid receptor-containing neurons in the brain are densely interconnected to form a steroid-responsive neural network within the limbic system. The possible functions of such a network include redundancy, signal amplification, stability, and selective filtering of hormonal cues to control steroid-dependent aspects of neuroendocrine secretion and behavior. Recently, the neural circuitry underlying male sexual behavior in the Syrian hamster has been used as a model for testing certain of these concepts. These studies provide functional evidence to support the network properties of gonadal steroid-responsive neurons in controlling hormone-dependent sexual behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- R I Wood
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA
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