Data and hypotheses in tales of dihydrotestosterone

Neuropeptidergic control of neurosteroids biosynthesis

Neurosteroids are steroids synthesized within the central nervous system either from cholesterol or by metabolic reactions of circulating steroid hormone precursors. It has been suggested that neurosteroids exert pleiotropic activities within the central nervous system, such as organization and activation of the central nervous system and behavioral regulation. It is also increasingly becoming clear that neuropeptides exert pleiotropic activities within the central nervous system, such as modulation of neuronal functions and regulation of behavior, besides traditional neuroendocrinological functions. It was hypothesized that some of the physiological functions of neuropeptides acting within the central nervous system may be through the regulation of neurosteroids biosynthesis. Various neuropeptides reviewed in this study possibly regulate neurosteroids biosynthesis by controlling the activities of enzymes that catalyze the production of neurosteroids. It is now required to thoroughly investigate the neuropeptidergic control mechanisms of neurosteroids biosynthesis to characterize the physiological significance of this new neuroendocrinological phenomenon.

Advancing reproductive neuroendocrinology through research on the regulation of GnIH and on its diverse actions on reproductive physiology and behavior

The discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) in 2000 has led to a new research era of reproductive neuroendocrinology because, for a long time, researchers believed that only gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regulated reproduction as a neurohormone. Later studies on GnIH demonstrated that it acts as a new key neurohormone inhibiting reproduction in vertebrates. GnIH reduces gonadotropin release andsynthesis via the GnIH receptor GPR147 on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons. Furthermore, GnIH inhibits reproductive behavior, in addition to reproductive neuroendocrine function. The modification of the synthesis of GnIH and its release by the neuroendocrine integration of environmental and internal factors has also been demonstrated. Thus, the discovery of GnIH has facilitated advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology. Here, we describe the advances in reproductive neuroendocrinology driven by the discovery of GnIH, research on the effects of GnIH on reproductive physiology and behavior, and the regulatory mechanisms underlying GnIH synthesis and release.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH): A new key neurohormone controlling reproductive physiology and behavior

The discovery of novel neurohormones is important for the advancement of neuroendocrinology. In early 1970s, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide that promotes gonadotropin release, was identified to be an endogenous neurohormone in mammals. In 2000, thirty years later, another hypothalamic neuropeptide, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), that inhibits gonadotropin release, was found in quail. GnIH acts via GPR147 and inhibits gonadotropin release and synthesis and reproductive function in birds through actions on GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus and pituitary gonadotrophs. Later, GnIH was found in other vertebrates including humans. GnIH studies have advanced the progress of reproductive neuroendocrinology. Furthermore, recent GnIH studies have indicated that abnormal changes in GnIH expression may cause pubertal disorder and reproductive dysfunction. Here, we describe GnIH discovery and its impact on the progress of reproductive neuroendocrinology. This review also highlights advancement and perspective of GnIH studies on drug development for pubertal disorder and reproductive dysfunction. (149/150).

Discovery of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), progress in GnIH research on reproductive physiology and behavior and perspective of GnIH research on neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction

Based on extensive studies on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) it was assumed that GnRH is the only hypothalamic neurohormone regulating gonadotropin release in vertebrates. In 2000, however, Tsutsui's group discovered gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin release, in quail. Subsequent studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH is conserved among vertebrates, acting as a new key neurohormone regulating reproduction. GnIH inhibits gonadotropin synthesis and release through actions on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons via GnIH receptor, GPR147. Thus, GnRH is not the sole hypothalamic neurohormone controlling vertebrate reproduction. The following studies by Tsutsui's group have further demonstrated that GnIH has several important functions in addition to the control of reproduction. Accordingly, GnIH has drastically changed our understanding about reproductive neuroendocrinology. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH, progress in GnIH research on reproductive physiology and behavior and perspective of GnIH research on neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction.

How to Contribute to the Progress of Neuroendocrinology: Discovery of GnIH and Progress of GnIH Research

It is essential to discover novel neuropeptides that regulate the functions of pituitary, brain and peripheral secretory glands for the progress of neuroendocrinology. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide stimulating gonadotropin release was isolated and its structure was determined by Schally's and Guillemin's groups at the beginning of the 1970s. It was subsequently shown that GnRH is highly conserved among vertebrates. GnRH was assumed the sole hypothalamic neuropeptide that regulates gonadotropin release in vertebrates based on extensive studies of GnRH over the following three decades. However, in 2000, Tsutsui's group isolated and determined the structure of a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide, which inhibits gonadotropin release, in quail, an avian species, and named it gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH). Following studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH is highly conserved among vertebrates, from humans to agnathans, and acts as a key neuropeptide inhibiting reproduction. Intensive research on GnIH demonstrated that GnIH inhibits gonadotropin synthesis and release by acting on gonadotropes and GnRH neurons via GPR147 in birds and mammals. Fish GnIH also regulates gonadotropin release according to its reproductive condition, indicating the conserved role of GnIH in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in vertebrates. Therefore, we can now say that GnRH is not the only hypothalamic neuropeptide controlling vertebrate reproduction. In addition, recent studies by Tsutsui's group demonstrated that GnIH acts in the brain to regulate behaviors, including reproductive behavior. The 18 years of GnIH research with leading laboratories in the world have significantly advanced our knowledge of the neuroendocrine control mechanism of reproductive physiology and behavior as well as interactions of the HPG, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes. This review describes how GnIH was discovered and GnIH research progressed in this new research era of reproductive neuroendocrinology.

Intrinsic links among sex, emotion, and reproduction

Species survival is dependent on successful reproduction. This begins with a desire to mate, followed by selection of a partner, copulation and in monogamous mammals including humans, requires emotions and behaviours necessary to maintain partner bonds for the benefit of rearing young. Hormones are integral to all of these stages and not only mediate physiological and endocrine processes involved in reproduction, but also act as neuromodulators within limbic brain centres to facilitate the expression of innate emotions and behaviours required for reproduction. A significant body of work is unravelling the roles of several key hormones in the modulation of mood states and sexual behaviours; however, a full understanding of the integration of these intrinsic links among sexual and emotional brain circuits still eludes us. This review summarises the evidence to date and postulates future directions to identify potential psycho-neuroendocrine frameworks linking sexual and emotional brain processes with reproduction.

7α-Hydroxypregnenolone regulates diurnal changes in sexual behavior of male quail

In the Japanese quail, 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, a previously undescribed avian neurosteroid, is actively produced in the brain. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone acts as a novel neuronal activator to stimulate locomotor activity of quail. Therefore, in this study, we determined whether 7α-hydroxypregnenolone changes the expression of sexual behavior in Japanese quail. We first measured diurnal changes in sexual behavior of male quail exposed to a long-day photoperiod. We found that sexual behavior of male quail was high in the morning when endogenous 7α-hydroxypregnenolone level is high. Subsequently, we centrally administered 7α-hydroxypregnenolone in the evening when endogenous 7α-hydroxypregnenolone level is low. In the 30 min after intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection, 7α-hydroxypregnenolone dose dependently increased the frequency of sexual behavior of male quail. However, 7β-hydroxypregnenolone, a stereoisomer of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, did not effect on the frequency of sexual behavior of male quail. In addition, to confirm the action of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone on sexual behavior, male birds received an ICV injection of ketoconazole, an inhibitor of cytochrome P450s, and behavioral experiments were performed in the morning. Ketoconazole significantly decreased the frequency of sexual behavior of male quail, whereas administration of 7α-hydroxypregnenolone to ketoconazole-treated males increased the frequency of their sexual behavior. These results indicate that 7α-hydroxypregnenolone regulates diurnal changes in sexual behavior of male quail.

How to contribute to the progress of neuroendocrinology: New insights from discovering novel neuropeptides and neurosteroids regulating pituitary and brain functions

Obtaining new insights by discovering novel neuropeptides and neurosteroids regulating pituitary and brain functions is essential for the progress of neuroendocrinology. At the beginning of 1970s, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) was discovered in mammals. Since then, it was generally accepted that GnRH is the only hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating gonadotropin release in vertebrates. In 2000, however, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotropin release, was discovered in quail. The follow-up studies demonstrated that GnIH acts as a new key player for regulation of reproduction across vertebrates. It now appears that GnIH acts on the pituitary and the brain to serve a number of behavioral and physiological functions. On the other hand, a new concept has been established that the brain synthesizes steroids, called neurosteroids. The formation of neurosteroids in the brain was originally demonstrated in mammals and subsequently in other vertebrates. Recently, 7α-hydroxypregnenolone was discovered as a novel bioactive neurosteroid inducing locomotor behavior of vertebrates, indicating that neurosteroidogenesis in the brain is still incompletely elucidated in vertebrates. At the beginning of 2010s, it was further found that the pineal gland actively produces neurosteroids. Pineal neurosteroids act on the brain to regulate locomotor rhythms and neuronal survival. Furthermore, the interaction of neuropeptides and neurosteroids is becoming clear. GnIH decreases aggressive behavior by regulating neuroestrogen synthesis in the brain. This review summarizes these new insights by discovering novel neuropeptides and neurosteroids in the field of neuroendocrinology.

Molecular, cellular, morphological, physiological and behavioral aspects of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that was isolated from the brains of Japanese quail in 2000, which inhibited luteinizing hormone release from the anterior pituitary gland. Here, we summarize the following fifteen years of researches that investigated on the mechanism of GnIH actions at molecular, cellular, morphological, physiological, and behavioral levels. The unique molecular structure of GnIH peptide is in its LPXRFamide (X=L or Q) motif at its C-terminal. The primary receptor for GnIH is GPR147. The cell signaling pathway triggered by GnIH is initiated by inhibiting adenylate cyclase and decreasing cAMP production in the target cell. GnIH neurons regulate not only gonadotropin synthesis and release in the pituitary, but also regulate various neurons in the brain, such as GnRH1, GnRH2, dopamine, POMC, NPY, orexin, MCH, CRH, oxytocin, and kisspeptin neurons. GnIH and GPR147 are also expressed in gonads and they may regulate steroidogenesis and germ cell maturation in an autocrine/paracrine manner. GnIH regulates reproductive development and activity. In female mammals, GnIH may regulate estrous or menstrual cycle. GnIH is also involved in the regulation of seasonal reproduction, but GnIH may finely tune reproductive activities in the breeding seasons. It is involved in stress responses not only in the brain but also in gonads. GnIH may inhibit male socio-sexual behavior by stimulating the activity of cytochrome P450 aromatase in the brain and stimulates feeding behavior by modulating the activities of hypothalamic and central amygdala neurons.

Hypothalamic inhibition of socio-sexual behaviour by increasing neuroestrogen synthesis

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin secretion and socio-sexual behaviours. Oestrogen (neuroestrogen) synthesized in the brain from androgen by aromatase regulates male socio-sexual behaviours. Here we show that GnIH directly activates aromatase and increases neuroestrogen synthesis in the preoptic area (POA) and inhibits socio-sexual behaviours of male quail. Aromatase activity and neuroestrogen concentration in the POA are low in the morning when the birds are active, but neuroestrogen synthesis gradually increases until the evening when the birds become inactive. Centrally administered GnIH in the morning increases neuroestrogen synthesis in the POA and decreases socio-sexual behaviours. Centrally administered 17β-oestradiol at higher doses also inhibits socio-sexual behaviours in the morning. These results suggest that GnIH inhibits male socio-sexual behaviours by increasing neuroestrogen synthesis beyond its optimum concentration for the expression of socio-sexual behaviours. This is the first demonstration of any hypothalamic neuropeptide that directly regulates neuroestrogen synthesis.

Contribution of GnIH Research to the Progress of Reproductive Neuroendocrinology

Since the discovery of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in mammals at the beginning of the 1970s, it was generally accepted that GnRH is the only hypothalamic neuropeptide regulating gonadotropin release in mammals and other vertebrates. In 2000, however, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a novel hypothalamic neuropeptide that actively inhibits gonadotropin release, was discovered in quail. Numerous studies over the past decade and a half have demonstrated that GnIH serves as a key player regulating reproduction across vertebrates, acting on the brain and pituitary to modulate reproductive physiology and behavior. In the latter case, recent evidence indicates that GnIH can regulate reproductive behavior through changes in neurosteroid, such as neuroestrogen, biosynthesis in the brain. This review summarizes the discovery of GnIH, and the contributions to GnIH research focused on its mode of action, regulation of biosynthesis, and how these findings advance our understanding of reproductive neuroendocrinology.

Review: neuroestrogen regulation of socio-sexual behavior of males

It is thought that estrogen (neuroestrogen) synthesized by the action of aromatase in the brain from testosterone activates male socio-sexual behaviors, such as aggression and sexual behavior in birds. We recently found that gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH), a hypothalamic neuropeptide, inhibits socio-sexual behaviors of male quail by directly activating aromatase and increasing neuroestrogen synthesis in the preoptic area (POA). The POA is thought to be the most critical site of aromatization and neuroestrogen action for the regulation of socio-sexual behavior of male birds. We concluded that GnIH inhibits socio-sexual behaviors of male quail by increasing neuroestrogen concentration beyond its optimal concentration in the brain for expression of socio-sexual behavior. On the other hand, it has been reported that dopamine and glutamate, which stimulate male socio-sexual behavior in birds and mammals, inhibit the activity of aromatase in the POA. Multiple studies also report that the activity of aromatase or neuroestrogen is negatively correlated with changes in male socio-sexual behavior in fish, birds, and mammals including humans. Here, we review previous studies that investigated the role of neuroestrogen in the regulation of male socio-sexual behavior and reconsider the hypothesis that neuroestrogen activates male socio-sexual behavior in vertebrates. It is considered that basal concentration of neuroestrogen is required for the maintenance of male socio-sexual behavior but higher concentration of neuroestrogen may inhibit male socio-sexual behavior.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone inhibits aggressive behavior of male quail by increasing neuroestrogen synthesis in the brain beyond its optimum concentration

The action of testosterone on male socio-sexual behaviors, such as aggressive and sexual behaviors, requires its aromatization into estrogen (neuroestrogen) in the brain. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin secretion from the pituitary. On the other hand, wide distribution of GnIH-immunoreactive (ir) neuronal fibers in the brain suggested their roles in the regulation of behavior. Our recent studies have shown that GnIH indeed inhibits aggressive and sexual behaviors. Accordingly, we further investigated the effect of GnIH on aromatase activity and estrogen synthesis in the brain. Abundant GnIH-ir neuronal fibers were observed in the vicinity of aromatase-ir cells in the brain, such as in the preoptic area (POA) that is thought to be the most critical site of aromatization and neuroestrogen action for the regulation of socio-sexual behavior. GnIH receptor (GPR147) mRNA was also expressed in aromatase-ir cells in the POA. GnIH stimulated the activity of aromatase and increased neuroestrogen synthesis in the POA through GPR147. The increase in neuroestrogen concentration in the POA was associated with a significant decrease in aggressive behavior. Finally, centrally administered 17β-estradiol at higher doses inhibited aggressive behavior. These findings indicated that GnIH inhibits aggressive behavior by directly activating aromatase and increasing neuroestrogen synthesis in the brain beyond its optimum concentration for the expression of aggressive behavior. This review highlights recent findings of the role of GnIH in the regulation of neuroestrogen synthesis and its possible function in the regulation of socio-sexual behaviors.

Sex differences in brain aromatase activity: genomic and non-genomic controls

Aromatization of testosterone into estradiol in the preoptic area plays a critical role in the activation of male copulation in quail and in many other vertebrate species. Aromatase expression in quail and in other birds is higher than in rodents and other mammals, which has facilitated the study of the controls and functions of this enzyme. Over relatively long time periods (days to months), brain aromatase activity (AA), and transcription are markedly (four- to sixfold) increased by genomic actions of sex steroids. Initial work indicated that the preoptic AA is higher in males than in females and it was hypothesized that this differential production of estrogen could be a critical factor responsible for the lack of behavioral activation in females. Subsequent studies revealed, however, that this enzymatic sex difference might contribute but is not sufficient to explain the sex difference in behavior. Studies of AA, immunoreactivity, and mRNA concentrations revealed that sex differences observed when measuring enzymatic activity are not necessarily observed when one measures mRNA concentrations. Discrepancies potentially reflect post-translational controls of the enzymatic activity. AA in quail brain homogenates is rapidly inhibited by phosphorylation processes. Similar rapid inhibitions occur in hypothalamic explants maintained in vitro and exposed to agents affecting intracellular calcium concentrations or to glutamate agonists. Rapid changes in AA have also been observed in vivo following sexual interactions or exposure to short-term restraint stress and these rapid changes in estrogen production modulate expression of male sexual behaviors. These data suggest that brain estrogens display most if not all characteristics of neuromodulators if not neurotransmitters. Many questions remain however concerning the mechanisms controlling these rapid changes in estrogen production and their behavioral significance.

Effects of hormonal replacement with androgens and estrogens on male sexual behavior and plasma levels of these steroids in gonadectomized golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Because the endocrine control of sexual behavior in male hamsters remains controversial, this study analyzed the influence of different androgens and estrogens in the regulation of masculine, sexual behavior (MBS). Aromatizable androgens: androstenedione (A) and testosterone (T), a non-aromatizable androgen: 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as well as estrogens (E2 and E1) alone or in combination with DHT, were administered in gonadectomized, sexually experienced males, for 3 weeks. In addition, plasma levels of these steroids were determined. Gonadectomy completely suppressed masculine sexual behavior (MSB) after 4 weeks. Both A and T replacements restored all the sexual behavior parameters in castrated hamsters by the 3rd week of treatment, with A being more potent in restoring all copulatory series and maintaining all MSB parameters, including long intromissions. Castrated males treated with DHT showed little interest in the female and did not display any copulatory behavior. Gonadectomized males treated with estrogens alone showed active anogenital investigation and displayed some mounts, but did not ejaculate. Males treated with estrogens combined with DHT had longer latencies and less number of ejaculations than males treated with aromatizable androgens. Long intromissions were observed only in males treated with T or A. Plasma levels of A were significantly higher than T levels in intact males. In males treated with A both androgens and estrogens were present in plasma. These results support the notion that aromatizable androgens, mainly A, but not non-aromatizable androgens or even estrogens in combination with DHT, play a relevant role in the endocrine regulation of MSB in the golden hamster.

Preoptic aromatase modulates male sexual behavior: slow and fast mechanisms of action

In many species, copulatory behavior and appetitive (anticipatory/motivational) aspects of male sexual behavior are activated by the action in the preoptic area of estrogens locally produced by testosterone aromatization. Estrogens bind to intracellular receptors, which then act as transcription factors to activate the behavior. Accordingly, changes in aromatase activity (AA) result from slow steroid-induced modifications of enzyme transcription. More recently, rapid nongenomic effects of estrogens have been described and evidence has accumulated indicating that AA can be modulated by rapid (minutes to hour) nongenomic mechanisms in addition to the slower transcriptional changes. Hypothalamic AA is rapidly down-regulated in conditions that enhance protein phosphorylation, in particular, increases in the intracellular calcium concentration, such as those triggered by neurotransmitter (e.g., glutamate) activity. Fast changes in brain estrogens can thus be caused by aromatase phosphorylation as a result of changes in neurotransmission. In parallel, recent studies demonstrate that the pharmacological blockade of AA by specific inhibitors rapidly (within 15-45 min) down-regulates motivational and consummatory aspects of male sexual behavior in quail while injections of estradiol can rapidly increase the expression of copulatory behavior. These data collectively support an emerging concept in neuroendocrinology, namely that estrogen, locally produced in the brain, regulates male sexual behavior via a combination of genomic and nongenomic mechanisms. Rapid and slower changes of brain AA match well with these two modes of estrogen action and provide temporal variations in the estrogen's bioavailability that can support the entire range of established effects for this steroid.

Estradiol in the male rat amygdala facilitates mounting but not ejaculation

Mating activates estrogen sensitive neurons in several regions of male rat brain, including the medial amygdala (MEA). Infusion of the aromatase inhibitor, Fadrozole, into the MEA reduced mating, presumably by inhibiting conversion of testosterone (T) to estradiol (E(2)). We investigated whether administering E(2) locally into the amygdala (AMG) would maintain sexual behavior in male rats given systemic Fadrozole to eliminate E(2) elsewhere in the brain. Gonadally intact male rats were divided into two matched groups, based on ejaculatory performance in weekly tests with receptive females. All males received 0.29 mg/kg/day sc Fadrozole and bilateral implants to AMG. E(2)-in-AMG males (N=6 experimentals) received implants tipped with a cured mixture of E(2) in Silastic Medical Adhesive, whereas Vehicle-in-AMG males (N=6 controls) received implants tipped with cured adhesive alone (without E(2)). In E(2)-in-AMG males, postoperative mount and intromission frequency did not differ significantly from pretreatment baseline levels, but ejaculation frequency declined significantly (P<.01). Conversely, in Vehicle-in-AMG males, postoperative mounts and intromissions (P<.01) and ejaculations (P<.01) declined significantly. Postoperative mount and intromission frequency of Vehicle-in-AMG males was significantly lower than that of E(2)-in-AMG males (P<.01), but ejaculation frequency did not differ significantly between groups. This suggests that E(2)-sensitive AMG neurons are important for sexual arousal but not ejaculatory performance.

Estrogen in the medial preoptic area of male rats facilitates copulatory behavior

Mating was studied in sexually experienced, gonadally intact male rats assigned to two surgical groups matched on the basis of mean mounting frequency during behavioral screening trials conducted prior to the study. Estradiol (E(2)) was delivered bilaterally into the medial preoptic area (MPO) of experimental males by means of hormone-coated implants, and fadrozole was given sc (0.25 mg/kg/day) via osmotic minipumps to block E(2) formation from testicular testosterone throughout the brain. Control males received blank bilateral implants in the MPO and sc fadrozole. After the completion of behavioral testing, immunocytochemical comparisons of the brains from experimental and control rats were made using the H222 antiestrogen receptor (ER) antibody, whose labeling is inhibited by the presence of E(2). The histology demonstrated that E(2) was confined exclusively to the MPO of experimental males but was absent throughout the brains of controls. In controls, mounting decreased significantly by the 7th day after surgery compared with presurgical levels and did not recover. In contrast, on all postsurgical days, the mounting frequency of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of controls. Although experimental males also showed an initial, significant postsurgical decline in mounting frequency, it recovered completely by the 28th postoperative day. Ejaculations declined significantly after surgery in both groups but, unlike in controls whose performance remained low, ejaculations in experimental males partially recovered and were significantly higher than in controls during the postoperative period. Results showed that ER-containing neurons in the MPO influence male rat copulatory behavior.

Conversion of testosterone to estradiol may not be necessary for the expression of mating behavior in male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

Male sexual behavior is mediated in part by androgens, but in several species, mating is also influenced by estradiol formed locally in the brain by the aromatization of testosterone. The role of testosterone aromatization in the copulatory behavior of male Syrian hamsters is unclear because prior studies are equivocal. Therefore, the present study tested whether blocking the conversion of testosterone to estradiol would inhibit male hamster sexual behavior. Chronic systemic administration of the nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor Fadrozole (2.0 mg/kg/day) for 5 or 8 weeks did not significantly increase mount latency or reduce mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculation frequency, or anogenital investigation relative to levels shown by surgical controls. However, Fadrozole effectively inhibited aromatase activity, as evidenced by the suppression of estrogen-dependent progesterone receptor immunoreactivity in the male hamster brain. The JZB39 anti-progesterone receptor antibody labeled significantly more neurons in brains of sham-treated hamsters than in brains of Fadrozole-treated hamsters. These data suggest that aromatization of testosterone to estradiol is not necessary for normal mating behavior in Syrian hamsters.

Brain aromatase and the control of male sexual behavior

The activational effects of testosterone (T) on male copulatory behavior are mediated by its aromatization into estradiol. In quail, we have shown by stereotaxic implantation of steroids and metabolism inhibitors and by electrolytic lesions that the action of T and its aromatization take place in the sexually dimorphic medial preoptic nucleus (POM). The distribution and regulation of brain aromatase was studied in this species by product-formation assays measuring aromatase activity (AA) in microdissected brain regions and by immunocytochemistry (ICC). Aromatase-immunoreactive (ARO-ir) neurons were found in four brain regions: the POM, the septal region, the bed nucleus of the stria terminals (BNST) and the tuberal hypothalamus. ARO-ir cells actually outline the POM boundaries. ARO-ir material is found not only in the perikarya of neurons but also in the full extension of their cellular processes including the axons and the presynaptic boutons. This is confirmed at the light level by the demonstration of immunoreactive fibers and punctate structures in brain regions that are sometimes fairly distant from the closest ARO-ir cells. A lot of ARO-ir cells in the POM and BNST do not contain immunoreactive estrogen receptors (ER-ir) as demonstrated by double label ICC. These morphological data suggest an unorthodox role for the enzyme or the locally formed estrogens. In parallel with copulatory behavior, the preoptic AA decreases after castration and is restored by T to levels seen in sexually mature males. This probably reflects a change in enzyme concentration rather than a modulation of the activity in a constant number of molecules since the maximum enzymatic velocity (Vmax) only is affected while the affinity (Km) remains unchanged. In addition, T increases the number of ARO-ir neurons in POM and other brain areas suggesting that the concentration of the antigen is actually increased. This probably involves the direct activation of aromatase transcription as demonstrated by RT-PCR studies showing that aromatase mRNA is increased following T treatment of castrates. These activating effects of T seem to result from a synergistic action of androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of the steroid. The anatomical substrate for these regulations remains unclear at present especially in POM where ARO-ir cells do not in general contain ER-ir while androgen receptors appear to be rare based on both [3H] dihydrotestosterone autoradiography and ICC. Transynaptic mechanisms of control may be considered. A modulation of brain aromatase by catecholamines is also suggested by a few pharmacological studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Activation of sexual behavior in male rats by combined subcutaneous and intracranial treatments of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone

When given peripherally, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, the major androgenic metabolite of testosterone, is relatively less effective than testosterone in activating sexual behavior of castrated male rats. In order to test the possible central nervous system effects of dihydrotestosterone more directly, we castrated Long-Evans rats, gave them a behaviorally subthreshold dose of dihydrotestosterone placed subcutaneously in Silastic capsules (ScDHT), and then additionally treated the rats with intracranial implants of crystalline dihydrotestosterone (IcDHT, N = 12), testosterone (IcT, N = 12), or cholesterol (IcCHOL, N = 10) placed in the medial preoptic area. The peripheral ScDHT treatment maintained sexual organ weights of castrated males at levels comparable to those of intact males, but did not in itself significantly activate mating behavior. The addition of IcT or IcDHT to this treatment regimen significantly increased the number of males displaying mounting behavior, intromissions, and ejaculatory behavior (P less than 0.05) compared to males with IcCHOL implants. There were no significant differences between the group given IcT and the group given IcDHT. Results of this study support the hypothesis that the nonaromatizable androgen 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone can act in the rat brain to influence male sexual behavior. In addition, these data lead us to suggest that the relative ineffectiveness of dihydrotestosterone versus testosterone when given systemically may reflect differences in bioavailability of these hormones to the brain following such treatment.

The influence of steroid hormones on competing sexual and ingestive behavior in the male rat

Water replete rats allowed restricted access to a sweet nonnutritive solution (0.2% Acesulfame-K) spend about one third of their time drinking it. This ingestive response is markedly inhibited if the male rat is simultaneously presented with an estrous female, but not an anestrous female or another male, despite the fact that there is sufficient time for both sexual and ingestive behaviors to occur. Castration and the subsequent decline in sexual behavior is accompanied by an increase in Acesulfame ingestion in the presence of a receptive female. Treatment with testosterone reverses both these effects. Similarly treatment of castrate males with DHT and estradiol (the active metabolites of testosterone) maintains both full sexual behavior and suppression of the ingestive response. However, the steroid requirements for sexual activity do not correspond completely with those for the sexually-induced suppression of ingestive behavior. Treatment of castrate males with estradiol alone maintains mounting behavior (but no intromissions or ejaculations) but does not suppress ingestive behavior in the presence of a receptive female--indeed under these suboptimal hormone conditions sexual behavior appears to be reduced in the presence of Acesulfame. Steroid hormones, therefore, have at least two effects upon sexual behavior. They enable certain aspects of sexual behavior such as intromissions and ejaculations, and also alter the animal's priority of response to two competing (ingestive and sexual) stimuli.

Central and peripheral metabolism of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone in the male Japanese quail: biochemical characterization and relationship with reproductive behavior

An in vitro radioenzymatic assay and purification procedure by thin-layer chromatography were used to study the metabolism of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) into 3 alpha- and 3 beta-androstanediols by the brain and cloacal gland of Japanese quail. Kinetic studies showed that these 2 metabolites are produced in a linear fashion with respect to time of incubation for up to 15 min but that they continue to accumulate for up to 4 h. The maximum velocity of these reactions is high (nmol/mg protein/15 min), but the affinities of the enzymes for DHT are low (in the microM range). The enzymatic activities are not evenly distributed in the brain: they are high in the tuberal hypothalamus and lobus parolfactorius but low in the preoptic area and anterior hypothalamus. Enzyme activities are not markedly affected by treatment of the birds with either testosterone or DHT. The activity of these enzymes is lower in the preoptic area and tuberal hypothalamus of DHT-treated birds which display female-directed sexual behavior than in the same brain areas of birds which are sexually inactive. We discuss the relationships between this reductive metabolism of DHT and the activational effects of the steroid on sexual behavior.

Testosterone and its metabolites in male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis): behavior and biochemistry

To extend our previous study on the behavioral effects of testosterone propionate (TP) and dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) to a dose-range producing supra-physiological plasma androgen levels, 4 castrated cynomolgus monkeys were tested with the same 4 females during successive 4-week treatment periods while receiving 800 micrograms, 1.6 mg, 3.2 mg, 6.4 mg and 12.8 mg of TP or DHTP SC/day in counterbalanced order (16 pairs, 828 1-hr tests). Both androgens increased male sexual activity, but DHTP was less effective than TP in increasing the numbers of ejaculations per test and failed to restore ejaculations to intact levels. Giving androgen-treated males single injections of 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms estradiol benzoate (EB) was without any additional effect on behavior (16 pairs, 256 tests). To examine hormonal effects in the brain, castrated males were given either 3H-T or 3H-DHT, and tissues were examined by high performance liquid chromatography (hplc). After 3H-T, 3H-E2 and unchanged 3H-T were the major forms of radioactivity in nuclei from hypothalamus, preoptic area and amygdala. After 3H-DHT, unchanged 3H-DHT predominated. The lower behavioral effectiveness of DHT could not be ascribed to its failure to enter the brain. The data suggested a role for unchanged T in the regulation of ejaculatory behavior in a male primate.

Testosterone is more effective than dihydrotestosterone plus estradiol in activating sexual behavior in old male rats

Sexual behavior declines in old male rats, and testosterone therapy does not restore the behavior to levels found in young males. If as a result of aging, old males have less capacity to aromatize or reduce testosterone, dihydrotestosterone plus estradiol treatment should be more effective than testosterone treatment in restoring sexual behavior in old castrated males. In a test of this hypothesis, the sexual behavior of old (24 months) castrated Fischer 344 males given injections of testosterone propionate (TP) or dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) plus estradiol benzoate (EB) and that of old sham-operated males given injections of vehicle were observed. The DHTP/EB proved to be less effective overall than the TP in increasing sexual behavior in old castrated males. In a second experiment, young (3 months) and old (30 months) males were tested to verify that the reduced effectiveness of DHTP/EB treatment was age-related. Testosterone propionate and DHTP/EB were equally effective in restoring most measures of sexual behavior in young castrated males. In old castrated males, DHTP/EB treatment was no more or less effective than TP treatment in increasing these same measures. Neither hormone increased the behavior of old males to the level found in young males. Since DHTP/EB treatment is less effective than TP treatment in stimulating sexual behavior in old males, a reduced capacity to aromatize or reduce testosterone is not a likely explanation for decreased responsiveness to testosterone in old male rats.

Comparison of the effects of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone on the behavior of male cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

To compare the behavioral effects of testosterone propionate (TP) and diyhdrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) at doses producing plasma levels of androgens within the physiological rage, observations were made on 4 castrated male cynomolgus monkeys during successive 4-week treatment periods while they received 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 800 micrograms of either TP or DHTP SC/day in counterbalanced order. Males were tested with each of the same 4 female partners (16 pairs, 1024 1-hr behavior tests). Males were injected at 1600 hr and blood samples were obtained at 0800 hr (256 samples, 456 hormone determinations). Physiological plasma levels of T resulted from the 200 micrograms and 400 micrograms TP treatments, and were associated with significantly increased ejaculatory behavior. Physiological plasma levels of DHT resulted from the 50 micrograms and 100 micrograms DHTP treatments, but there were no changes in ejaculatory behavior over the entire DHTP dose range used. This difference in the behavioral effects of TP and DHTP, not previously reported for a primate, could not be accounted for by the effects of treatment order, season, long-term behavioral testing, female sexual motivation or behavior reflecting the peripheral action of androgens.

The effects of testosterone and its metabolites on sexual behavior and morphology in male and female Japanese quail

Adult Japanese quail are sexually dimorphic. Even when implanted with testosterone (T), ovariectomized females fail to copulate and their cloacal glands are smaller than those of males. This may be due to a reduced capacity of the females to transform testosterone into active metabolites (estradiol-17 beta and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone). Indeed, in the male quail, estradiol-17 beta (E2) activates copulation whereas 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) activates crowing, strutting and the development of the cloacal gland. To test this hypothesis, we studied the effects of in vivo treatments of male and female quail with the different T-metabolites. Forty-one castrated male and female quail were implanted with subcutaneous silastic implants of T, 5 alpha-DHT, E2 and E2 in combination with 5 alpha-DHT. When implanted with these metabolites, females failed to copulate and their cloacal glands remained less developed than those of males. Sexual differences in behavior and morphology thus cannot be entirely explained by sexual dimorphism of the metabolism.

Autoradiographic localization of 3H-dihydrotestosterone in the preoptic area, hypothalamus, and amygdala of a male rhesus monkey

In a preliminary study, autoradiography was used to localize target cells for 3H-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a non-aromatizable androgen, in the brain of the rhesus monkey. One castrated male was injected intravenously with 2 mCi of 3H-DHT (0.42 microgram/kg), and was killed one hour later. Neurons that concentrated radioactivity in their nuclei were located in widespread areas of the brain, which included the medial and suprachiasmatic preoptic nuclei, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral septal nucleus, anterior hypothalamic area, ventromedial, arcuate, dorsomedial, and paraventricular hypothalamic nuclei, ventral premammillary nucleus, and medial, cortical, basal accessory, and lateral amygdaloid nuclei. These results indicate that the topographic distribution of androgen target neurons is considerably wider than that observed in a study using 3H-testosterone (T) in the male rhesus monkey (1). However, further work is needed to elucidate these differences before attempting correlations between behavioral activity and androgen receptors in the brain.