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Sun X, Li Y, Li J, Liang H, Zhang J, Chen X, Li Q, Pang X, Ding Q, Song J, Guo B, Ma B. Bioactive metabolites reveal the therapeutic consistency of epimedii folium from multi-plant sources for the treatment of kidney-yang deficiency. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117215. [PMID: 37774896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epimedii Folium (Yin-yang-huo in Chinese), a traditional and commonly used herbal medicine (HM), is a representative of multi-plant sources. To date, little is known about the reasons for similar therapeutic effects of this HM from multi-plant sources. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the underlying reasons for the similar pharmacological effects of Epimedii Folium from two botanical sources (Epimedium koreanum Nakai and Epimedium wushanense T. S. Ying). MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, the phytochemicals of the extracts of E. koreanum and E. wushanense were systematically analyzed. Meanwhile, their pharmacological effects on kidney-yang deficiency (KYD) syndrome were evaluated in rats induced by hydrocortisone. Subsequently, we proposed a combined effect index (CEI) to assess the effects of two plants on the secretion of testosterone by combing the system exposure of twelve active components in vivo with their regulation activities of testosterone production in vitro. Moreover, the label-free proteomics and Western blot analysis were conducted to evaluate the possible mechanism of Epimedii Folium from two botanical sources. RESULTS E. koreanum and E. wushanense exhibited similar pharmacological effects on KYD syndrome with promoting the mating behaviors and testosterone levels of rats, although there is a certain difference in the main components between two plants. The CEI analysis showed that there was no difference (P > 0.05) in the sum of CEIs of two Epimedium, indicating that their similar therapeutic effects are attributed to bioactive metabolites in vivo. Furthermore, Epimedii Folium can regulate testosterone production in rat Leydig cell via reversing expressions of key steroidogenic enzymes, such as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD). CONCLUSION Our results supply critical evidence for the similar pharmacological effects of two Epimedium species, acting by consistent bioactive components directly exposing in vivo, not chemical compositions presenting in herbs. It provides a reasonable scientific basis for understanding of the HMs originated from multi-plant sources for the same clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinguang Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Yingfei Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Juan Li
- Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Haizhen Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Qi Li
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Xu Pang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Qianzhi Ding
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Juan Song
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Baolin Guo
- Institute of Medicinal Plant Development, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Baiping Ma
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
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Coolen RL, Cambier JC, van Asselt E, Blok BFM. Androgen receptors in the forebrain: A study in adult male cats. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21553. [PMID: 36601705 PMCID: PMC10107852 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21553] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Androgens and their receptors are present throughout the body. Various structures such as muscles, genitals, and prostate express androgen receptors. The central nervous system also expresses androgen receptors. Androgens cross the blood-brain barrier to reach these central areas. In the central nervous system, androgens are involved in multiple functions. The current study investigated in which forebrain areas androgens are expressed in the male cat. Androgen receptor immunoreactive (AR-IR) nuclei were plotted and the results were quantified with a Heidelberg Topaz II + scanner and Linocolor 5.0 software. The density and intensity of the labeled cells were the main outcomes of interest. The analysis revealed a dense distribution of AR-IR nuclei in the preoptic area, periventricular complex of the hypothalamus, posterior hypothalamic area, ventromedial hypothalamic, parvocellular hypothalamic, infundibular, and supramammillary nucleus. Numerous AR-IR cells were also observed in the dorsal division of the anterior olfactory nucleus, lateral septal nucleus, medial and lateral divisions of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral olfactory tract nucleus, anterior amygdaloid area, and the central and medial amygdaloid nuclei. AR-IR nuclei were predominantly observed in areas involved in autonomic and neuroendocrinergic responses which are important for many physiological processes and behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa L Coolen
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Els van Asselt
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bertil F M Blok
- Department of Urology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Carter CS. Sex, love and oxytocin: Two metaphors and a molecule. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 143:104948. [PMID: 36347382 PMCID: PMC9759207 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Dozens of studies, most conducted in the last four decades, have implicated oxytocin, as well as vasopressin and their receptors, in processes that mediate selective sociality and the consequences of early experience. Oxytocin is critical for the capacity to experience emotional safety and healthy sexuality. Oxytocin also plays a central role in almost every aspect of physical and mental health, including the coordination of sociality and loving relationships with physiological reactions to challenges across the lifespan. Species, including prairie voles, that share with humans the capacity for selective social bonds have been a particularly rich source of insights into the behavioral importance of peptides. The purpose of this historical review is to describe the discovery of a central role for oxytocin in behavioral interactions associated with love, and in the capacity to use sociality to anticipate and cope with challenges across the lifespan - a process that here is called "sociostasis."
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA; Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA.
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4
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McCormick SK, Holekamp KE, Smale L, Weldele ML, Glickman SE, Place NJ. Sex Differences in Spotted Hyenas. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2022; 14:a039180. [PMID: 34649923 PMCID: PMC9248831 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a039180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The apparent virilization of the female spotted hyena raises questions about sex differences in behavior and morphology. We review these sex differences to find a mosaic of dimorphic traits, some of which conform to mammalian norms. These include space-use, dispersal behavior, sexual behavior, and parental behavior. By contrast, sex differences are reversed from mammalian norms in the hyena's aggressive behavior, social dominance, and territory defense. Androgen exposure early in development appears to enhance aggressiveness in female hyenas. Weapons, hunting behavior, and neonatal body mass do not differ between males and females, but females are slightly larger than males as adults. Sex differences in the hyena's nervous system are relatively subtle. Overall, it appears that the "masculinized" behavioral traits in female spotted hyenas are those, such as aggression, that are essential to ensuring consistent access to food; food critically limits female reproductive success in this species because female spotted hyenas have the highest energetic investment per litter of any mammalian carnivore. Evidently, natural selection has acted to modify traits related to food access, but has left intact those traits that are unrelated to acquiring food, such that they conform to patterns of sexual dimorphism in other mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kevin McCormick
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Kay E Holekamp
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Laura Smale
- Department of Integrative Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, USA
| | - Mary L Weldele
- Departments of Psychology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Stephen E Glickman
- Departments of Psychology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA
| | - Ned J Place
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA
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5
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Feng R, Zheng P, Huang H, Zhou S, Ji W, Huang F, Liu H, Zhang G. Cadmium induces testosterone synthesis disorder by testicular cell damage via TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway leading to reduced sexual behavior in piglets. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 233:113345. [PMID: 35219259 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic metal pollutant that can endanger the life and health of animals. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) can result in testicular cell damage by positively regulating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Meanwhile, Testosterone (T) synthesis disorder can affect sexual behavior. However, the harmful influence of Cd on animal sexual behavior during its growth and development and the role of TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in testicular cell damage and testosterone production remained poorly understood. Forty-two-day-old male piglets were fed with diets that contained CdCl2 (20 mg Cd/kg) for 40 days to explore the toxic effects of Cd on sexual behavior. The results showed that Cd activated TLR4, promoted MAPK (p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38)/NF-κB expression, induced apoptosis (Caspase-3, Cleaved Caspase3, Bax, Cyt-c, and Caspase-9 expression increased, but Bcl-2 expression decreased) and necroptosis (MLKL, RIPK1, and RIPK3 expression increased) in piglet testis. In addition, Cd exposure decreased mRNA expression of STAR, CYP11A1, 3β-HSD, CYP17A1, and 17β-HSD of testis and the concentrations of T and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). Both the mRNA and protein expression levels of the major genes in TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, apoptosis signaling pathway, and necroptosis signaling pathway increased significantly and the expression levels of testosterone decreased gradually in pig Leydig cells cultured in vitro after being treated with different concentrations of Cd. Moreover, Cd reduced sexual behavior (the parameters of sniffing, chin resting, and mounting decreased) in piglets. In conclusion, Cd induced testicular cell damage via TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway leading to testosterone synthesis disorder and sexual behavior reduction in piglets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Yue Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Rui Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Peng Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - He Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Sitong Zhou
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Wenbo Ji
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Fushuo Huang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China
| | - Honggui Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China; Key Laboratory of Swine Facilities Engineering, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Harbin 150030, PR China.
| | - Guixue Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin 150030, PR China.
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Shao X, Lu X, Liao J, Chen H, Fan X. New avenues for systematically inferring cell-cell communication: through single-cell transcriptomics data. Protein Cell 2020; 11:866-880. [PMID: 32435978 PMCID: PMC7719148 DOI: 10.1007/s13238-020-00727-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For multicellular organisms, cell-cell communication is essential to numerous biological processes. Drawing upon the latest development of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), high-resolution transcriptomic data have deepened our understanding of cellular phenotype heterogeneity and composition of complex tissues, which enables systematic cell-cell communication studies at a single-cell level. We first summarize a common workflow of cell-cell communication study using scRNA-seq data, which often includes data preparation, construction of communication networks, and result validation. Two common strategies taken to uncover cell-cell communications are reviewed, e.g., physically vicinal structure-based and ligand-receptor interaction-based one. To conclude, challenges and current applications of cell-cell communication studies at a single-cell resolution are discussed in details and future perspectives are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Shao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jie Liao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Huajun Chen
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China.,The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China. .,The Save Sight Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.
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7
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Ponzi D, Gioiosa L, Parmigiani S, Palanza P. Effects of Prenatal Exposure to a Low-Dose of Bisphenol A on Sex Differences in Emotional Behavior and Central Alpha 2-Adrenergic Receptor Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093269. [PMID: 32380724 PMCID: PMC7246441 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) influences the development of sex differences neurologically and behaviorally across many species of vertebrates. These effects are a consequence of BPA’s estrogenic activity and its ability to act as an endocrine disrupter even, at very low doses. When exposure to BPA occurs during critical periods of development, it can interfere with the normal activity of sex steroids, impacting the fate of neurons, neural connectivity and the development of brain regions sensitive to steroid activity. Among the most sensitive behavioral targets of BPA action are behaviors that are characterized by a sexual dimorphism, especially emotion and anxiety related behaviors, such as the amount of time spent investigating a novel environment, locomotive activity and arousal. Moreover, in some species of rodents, BPA exposure affected males’ sexual behaviors. Interestingly, these behaviors are at least in part modulated by the catecholaminergic system, which has been reported to be a target of BPA action. In the present study we investigated the influence of prenatal exposure of mice to a very low single dose of BPA on emotional and sexual behaviors and on the density and binding characteristics of alpha2 adrenergic receptors. Alpha2 adrenergic receptors are widespread in the central nervous system and they can act as autoreceptors, inhibiting the release of noradrenaline and other neurotransmitters from presynaptic terminals. BPA exposure disrupted sex differences in behavioral responses to a novel environment, but did not affect male mice sexual behavior. Importantly, BPA exposure caused a change in the binding affinity of alpha2 adrenergic receptors in the locus coeruleus and medial preoptic area (mPOA) and it eliminated the sexual dimorphism in the density of the receptors in the mPOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Ponzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.G.); (P.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0521904776
| | - Laura Gioiosa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.G.); (P.P.)
| | - Stefano Parmigiani
- Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy;
| | - Paola Palanza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43121 Parma, Italy; (L.G.); (P.P.)
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8
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Mandal TK, Parvin N, Joo SW, Roy P. Risk Assessment of Cosmetics Using Triclosan on Future Generation's Germ Cell Maturation via Lactating Mother Rats. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041143. [PMID: 32053938 PMCID: PMC7068353 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Triclosan (TCS) is a widely used chemical in personal care and household products as an antimicrobial agent but some studies have reported it as being estrogenic. We investigated the influence of TCS on the male reproductive system of postnatal pups. Lactating mother rats (Rattus norvegicus) were given daily doses of 0 mg, 3 mg, and 5 mg/kg/day from the day of delivery until 28 days, equivalent to their natural breastfeeding duration. At 28 days, the male pups of all three groups were sacrificed and their biochemical parameters evaluated. TCS-treated pups had decreased mRNA levels for 3β hydro-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (3βHSD), OCT3/4, and androgen receptor (AR) (p < 0.05). The higher dose (5 mg/kg/day) male pups exhibited more significantly affected germ cell maturation and decreased body weight. In summary, TCS-treated lactating mothers passed the deleterious effects to their untreated male pups as exhibited by reduced androgens synthesis and subsequently decreased sperm count.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas K. Mandal
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India; (T.K.M.); (N.P.)
- School of Mechanical Engineering and IT, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
| | - Nargish Parvin
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India; (T.K.M.); (N.P.)
| | - Sang Woo Joo
- School of Mechanical Engineering and IT, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.W.J.); (P.R.)
| | - Partha Roy
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee 247667, India; (T.K.M.); (N.P.)
- Correspondence: (S.W.J.); (P.R.)
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9
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Portillo W, Paredes RG. Motivational Drive in Non-copulating and Socially Monogamous Mammals. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:238. [PMID: 31636551 PMCID: PMC6787552 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Motivational drives guide behaviors in animals of different species, including humans. Some of these motivations, like looking for food and water, are crucial for the survival of the individual and hence for the preservation of the species. But there is at least another motivation that is also important for the survival of the species but not for the survival of the individual. Undoubtedly, sexual motivation is important for individuals to find a mate and reproduce, thus ensuring the survival of the species. In species with sexual reproduction, when males find a female in the appropriate hormonal conditions, they will display sexual behavior. However, some healthy males do not mate when they have access to a sexually receptive female, even though they are repeatedly tested. These non-copulating (NC) individuals have been reported in murine, cricetid and ungulates. In humans this sexual orientation is denominated asexuality. Asexual individuals are physically and emotionally healthy men and women without desire for sexual intercourse. Different species have developed a variety of strategies to find a mate and reproduce. Most species of mammals are polygamous; they mate with one or several partners at the same time, as occur in rats, or they can reproduce with different conspecifics throughout their life span. There are also monogamous species that only mate with one partner. One of the most studied socially monogamous species is the Prairie vole. In this species mating or cohabitation for long periods induces the formation of a long-lasting pair bond. Both males and females share the nest, show a preference for their sexual partner, display aggression to other males and females and display parental behavior towards their pups. This broad spectrum of reproductive strategies demonstrates the biological variability of sexual motivation and points out the importance of understanding the neurobiological basis of sexual motivational drives in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Raúl G Paredes
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico.,Escuela Nacional de Estudios Superiores, Unidad Juriquilla, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
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10
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Lonstein JS, Linning-Duffy K, Yan L. Low Daytime Light Intensity Disrupts Male Copulatory Behavior, and Upregulates Medial Preoptic Area Steroid Hormone and Dopamine Receptor Expression, in a Diurnal Rodent Model of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:72. [PMID: 31031606 PMCID: PMC6473160 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) involves a number of psychological and behavioral impairments that emerge during the low daytime light intensity associated with winter, but which remit during the high daytime light intensity associated with summer. One symptom frequently reported by SAD patients is reduced sexual interest and activity, but the endocrine and neural bases of this particular impairment during low daylight intensity is unknown. Using a diurnal laboratory rodent, the Nile grass rat (Arvicanthis niloticus), we determined how chronic housing under a 12:12 h day/night cycle involving dim low-intensity daylight (50 lux) or bright high-intensity daylight (1,000 lux) affects males’ copulatory behavior, reproductive organ weight, and circulating testosterone. We also examined the expression of mRNAs for the aromatase enzyme, estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), and androgen receptor (AR) in the medial preoptic area (mPOA; brain site involved in the sensory and hormonal control of copulation), and mRNAs for the dopamine (DA) D1 and D2 receptors in both the mPOA and nucleus accumbens (NAC; brain site involved in stimulus salience and motivation to respond to reward). Compared to male grass rats housed in high-intensity daylight, males in low-intensity daylight displayed fewer mounts and intromissions when interacting with females, but the groups did not differ in their testes or seminal vesicle weights, or in their circulating levels of testosterone. Males in low-intensity daylight unexpectedly had higher ESR1, AR and D1 receptor mRNA in the mPOA, but did not differ from high-intensity daylight males in D1 or D2 mRNA expression in the NAC. Reminiscent of humans with SAD, dim winter-like daylight intensity impairs aspects of sexual behavior in a male diurnal rodent. This effect is not due to reduced circulating testosterone and is associated with upregulation of mPOA steroid and DA receptors that may help maintain some sexual motivation and behavior under winter-like lighting conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph S Lonstein
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Katrina Linning-Duffy
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Lily Yan
- Neuroscience Program & Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
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11
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Abstract
Genetic monogamy is rare-at least at the level of a species-and monogamy can exist in the absence of sexual fidelity. Rather than focusing on mating exclusivity, it has become common to use the term "social monogamy" to describe a cluster of social features, including the capacity for selective and lasting social bonds, central to what humans call "love." Socially monogamous mammals often exhibit selective aggression toward strangers and form extended families. These features of social monogamy in mammals are supported by patterns of hormonal function originating in the neurobiology of maternity, including oxytocin, as well as a more primitive vasopressin pathway. Another key feature of social monogamy is reduced sexual dimorphism. Processes associated with sexual differentiation offer clues to the mysteries surrounding the evolution of monogamy. Although there is consistency in the necessary ingredients, it is likely that there is no single recipe for social monogamy. As reviewed here, genes for steroids and peptides and their receptors are variable and are subject to epigenetic regulation across the lifespan permitting individual, gender and species variations and providing substrates for evolution. Reduced sensitivity to gonadal androgens, and a concurrent increased reliance on vasopressin (for selective defense) and oxytocin (for selective affiliation) may have offered pathways to the emergence of social monogamy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
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