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Cornil CA, Schmit M, de Bournonville C, Ceuleers MA, Daulne C, Balthazart J. Age-dependent and age-independent effects of testosterone in male quail. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2014; 208:64-72. [PMID: 25157789 PMCID: PMC4252599 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Various studies in rodents recently concluded that puberty should be considered as a second period of organization of brain and behavior and that action of sex steroids at that time is long lasting and possibly permanent. We tested this notion in male Japanese quail that had been castrated before 3weeks post-hatch by analyzing whether a similar treatment with exogenous testosterone initiated at 3, 5 or 7weeks post-hatch has a differential influence on the development of testosterone-dependent morphological, behavioral and neural characteristics that are known to be sexually differentiated. The growth of the androgen-dependent cloacal gland was significantly faster when testosterone treatment was initiated later in life indicating that the target tissue is not ready to fully respond to androgens at 3weeks post-hatch. The three groups of birds nevertheless developed a gland of the same size typical of intact sexually mature birds. When adults, all birds expressed copulatory behavior with the same frequencies and latencies and they displayed the same level of aromatase activity and of vasotocinergic innervation in the preoptic area as gonadally intact males despite the fact that they had been treated with testosterone for different durations starting at different ages. Surprisingly, the frequency of cloacal sphincter contractions, a measure of appetitive sexual behavior, was significantly higher when testosterone treatment had been initiated later. Together these data provide no clear evidence for an organizational action of testosterone during sexual maturation of male quail but additional experiments should investigate whether estrogens have such an action in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A Cornil
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium
| | - Melanie Schmit
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium
| | - Catherine de Bournonville
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium
| | - Meg-Anne Ceuleers
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium
| | - Corentin Daulne
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jacques Balthazart
- University of Liège, GIGA Neurosciences, Research Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Liège, Belgium.
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Singh R, Sastry K, Shit N, Pandey N, Singh K, Mohan J, Moudgal R. Cloacal gland foam enhances motility and disaggregation of spermatozoa in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Theriogenology 2011; 75:563-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2010.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2010] [Revised: 09/11/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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3
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Busso J, Satterlee D, Roberts M, Buchanan K, Evans M, Marin R. Testosterone manipulation postcastration does not alter cloacal gland growth differences in male quail selected for divergent plasma corticosterone stress response. Poult Sci 2010; 89:2691-8. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2010-01052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Langlois VS, Zhang D, Cooke GM, Trudeau VL. Evolution of steroid-5alpha-reductases and comparison of their function with 5beta-reductase. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2010; 166:489-97. [PMID: 19686747 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2009.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2009] [Revised: 08/01/2009] [Accepted: 08/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Steroid-5alpha-reductases (SRD5alpha) and steroid-5beta-reductase (SRD5beta) represent a convergence in evolution: they share similar biological functions, but do not have a common ancestor. In vertebrates, SRD5alpha and SRD5beta are involved in C-19 and C-21 steroid biosynthesis, bile acid biosynthesis and erythropoiesis. We compare and contrast the history, evolution, tissue distribution, enzyme characteristics and biological functions of SRD5alpha and SRD5beta and suggest possible future directions for research efforts. Both, the unique and overlapping roles that SRD5alpha and SRD5beta play in steroid hormone metabolism, are indicated. We also present the phylogeny of the SRD5alpha. The main SRD5alpha subfamilies obtained include, not only the well-known SRD5alpha type 1, type 2 and type 3, but also the synaptic glycoprotein (GPSN2)/trans-2,3-enoly-CoA reductase group. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that a eukaryotic ancestor likely underwent duplication events to generate these three subfamilies (type 1/2, type 3 and GPSN2 ancestors); both SRD5alpha type 1/2 and GPSN2 subfamilies may have evolved by ancient duplication events at the early stage of vertebrate and chordate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie S Langlois
- Centre for Advanced Research in Environmental Genomics, Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, 30 Marie Curie, Ottawa, Ont., Canada K1N 6N5
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Massa R, Bottoni L, Lucini V, McNamee M. Testosterone metabolism in neuroendocrine and peripheral tissues of male Japanese quail during photoinduced sexual maturation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250008209439370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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6
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Balthazart J, Bottoni L, Massa R. Effects of sex steroids on testosterone metabolism, plasma gonadotropins, cloacal gland growth and reproductive behaviour in the Japanese quail. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/11250008009440335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Utsumi T, Yoshimura Y. Sensitive embryonic endpoints with in ovo treatment for detecting androgenic and anti-androgenic effects of chemicals in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Poult Sci 2009; 88:1052-9. [DOI: 10.3382/ps.2008-00326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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Satterlee DG, Tong M, Castille SA, Marin RH. Cloacal Gland Growth Differences in High and Low Plasma Corticosterone Stress Response Line Male Quail Reared Under Short Daylengths. Poult Sci 2007; 86:1213-7. [PMID: 17495094 DOI: 10.1093/ps/86.6.1213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mail quail selected (generation 32) for reduced [low stress (LS)] or exaggerated [high stress (HS)] plasma corticosterone stress response to brief mechanical restraint (5 min of immobilization) were studied for differences in the growth of their cloacal glands when reared essentially lifelong on short day lengths of 8L:16D. Post-brooding, at 4 wk of age, 96 quail (48 LS+48 HS) were housed in cages (1 LS and 1 HS male/cage), and the short day light treatment was instigated. Using a digital caliper, cloacal gland (CG) size measurements (length and width, mm) were made biweekly beginning at 42 d of age and ending at 196 d of age (28 wk old). The CG volume (CVOL) was calculated from these measurements using a literature-proposed formula. The CVOL in both lines increased similarly with increasing age from 6 to 12 wk of age. However, beginning at 14 wk of age and thereafter, LS males showed greater (P<0.05) CVOL than HS ones. No further increases in CVOL were observed in either line at 24 wk of age beyond that seen at 22 wk. This study demonstrated that although both lines show CG development under short days, eventually CG growth becomes comparatively stymied in the HS males. Furthermore, the maintenance of similarly lower CVOL in HS than LS males, CVOL that showed no further increase from 22 to 24 wk of age, suggests that holding these quail lifelong on short days results in, comparatively, yet another permanent negative reproductive consequence in quail selected for exaggerated plasma corticosterone stress responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Satterlee
- Applied Animal Biotechnology Laboratories, Department of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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Satterlee DG, Cole CA, Castille SA. Cloacal Gland and Gonadal Photoresponsiveness in Male Japanese Quail Selected for Divergent Plasma Corticosterone Response to Brief Restraint. Poult Sci 2006; 85:1072-80. [PMID: 16776477 DOI: 10.1093/ps/85.6.1072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corticosterone is linked to testicular depression, and in Coturnix, a relatively photorefractory species, day length and androgen dependency in cloacal gland development and foam production are evident. Furthermore, male quail selected for reduced (low stress, LS) rather than exaggerated (high stress, HS) plasma corticosterone stress response show more photo-induced reproductive development, greater resistance to reproductive declines induced by exposure to very short days, and a quicker recovery to a higher reproductive level upon return to long days. To determine whether a milder reduction in day length would also influence stress line reproductive photoresponsiveness, and perhaps photorefractoriness, males grown on 16 h of light were given 13 h of light for 4 wk followed by a return to long days for 12 wk. Cloacal gland measurements were made following the initial stimulatory photoperiod and weekly thereafter during the 2 light treatments. Plasma testosterone was determined initially, after 4 wk of light reduction, and at the end of the study, along with BW, testes weight (TWT), and TWT relative to BW. Cloacal gland volume (CVOL) was greater in LS than HS males grown on long days. Whereas exposure to 13 h of light reduced CVOL in both lines, line differences (LS > HS) persisted during the first 3 wk of light reduction. Moreover, by 2 wk of rephotostimulation, and weekly thereafter, line differences (LS > HS) in CVOL reemerged. Cloacal gland foam production and the proportion of individuals that produced cloacal gland foam responses reflected changes in CVOL. The BW did not differ by line, yet LS males had a higher TWT and TWT relative to BW than HS ones. All individuals, however, exhibited relative photorefractory responses. Whereas none of the LS males completely resisted reproductive regression induced by a 3 h light reduction, LS males showed other reproductive benefits upon mild photocastration and subsequent rephotostimulation (e.g., greater resistance to CVOL and cloacal gland foam production losses during a mild light crash and quicker restoration to full reproductive potential upon relighting).
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Affiliation(s)
- D G Satterlee
- Applied Animal Biotechnology Laboratories, Department of Animal Sciences, Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA.
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10
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cDNA Cloning and mRNA Expression of Androgen Receptor in Male Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). J Poult Sci 2006. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.43.173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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11
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The Cloacal Test: a Method for Testing Anti-androgenic Effects of Chemicals in Birds. J Poult Sci 2004. [DOI: 10.2141/jpsa.41.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Hall MR, Laouar L, Ivings W. Effects of reproductive state on molt in the Japanese quail. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 1993. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402650306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Mase Y, Oishi T. Effects of castration and testosterone treatment on the development and involution of the bursa of fabricius and the thymus in the Japanese quail. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1991; 84:426-33. [PMID: 1808023 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(91)90091-j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of castration on the development of lymphoid organs (bursa of Fabricius, thymus, and spleen) in the Japanese quail during 4-8 weeks of age under a long photoperiod (16L:8D) and the effect of testosterone implantation on the involution of the lymphoid organs under long (16L:8D) and short (8L:16D) photoperiods. Under 16L:8D, the bursa of Fabricius and thymus in intact quail grew rapidly and reached a peak at 6 weeks of age and regressed thereafter. In contrast, development of the lymphoid organs in castrated quail was well correlated with the body growth. Testosterone treatment induced a significant reduction in relative bursal weight to body weight at 6 weeks of age under 16L:8D and 8 weeks of age under 16L:8D and 8L:16D, in relative thymus weight at 6 weeks of age under 16L:8D and 8L:16D, and in relative spleen weight at 6 weeks of age under 8L:16D. Thus, we conclude that gonadal hormones play an important role in the development and involution of lymphoid organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Mase
- Department of Anatomy (II), Nara Medical University, Japan
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14
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Bishop CM, Hall MR. Non-invasive monitoring of avian reproduction by simplified faecal steroid analysis. J Zool (1987) 1991. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1991.tb03793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Amet Y, di Stefano S, Quemener E, Abalain JH, Floch HH, Daniel JY. Unusually high rates of metabolism of DHT in cytosols of the quail uropygial gland. Steroids 1990; 55:228-32. [PMID: 2360219 DOI: 10.1016/0039-128x(90)90020-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The metabolism of DHT in the cytosol of the quail uropygial gland was found to be so high that the steroid was almost completely inactivated within 2 hours of incubation at 0 C. In these conditions, DHT cannot be used for the characterization of androgen receptors. By contrast, R 1881 and mibolerone, which are not metabolized, can be used as alternative ligands. Moreover, the extremely high metabolism of DHT questions the physiologic role of this steroid in the quail uropygial gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Amet
- Laboratoire de Biochimie, UA 598 du CNRS, Faculté de Médecine, Brest, France
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Watson JT, Abdelnabi M, Wersinger S, Ottinger MA, Adkins-Regan E. Circulating estradiol and the activation of male and female copulatory behavior in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1990; 77:229-38. [PMID: 2307345 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(90)90307-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Previous experiments using systemic and preoptic area (POA) hormone treatments have shown that aromatization of testosterone (T) to estrogen (E) is essential for activation of male-typical copulatory behavior in castrated male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Two experiments were conducted to determine whether circulating estrogen levels characteristic of normal intact males are high enough to activate male-typical or female-typical copulatory behavior. In Experiment 1, blood samples were drawn every 4 hr from groups of sexually active male quail housed under a 16L:8D light-dark cycle, and assayed for estradiol (E2) concentration. The mean +/- SEM serum E2 was 54.2 +/- 3.6 pg/ml, and no daily cycle in serum E2 was seen. The males were then tested for sexual behavior; 88% mounted females, and 23% crouched when mounted by males. In Experiment 2, 51 males were castrated and implanted with Silastic tubes containing estradiol benzoate (EB) and/or cholesterol designed to produce five different levels of serum E2, then tested for male- and female-typical copulatory behavior and bled. The serum E2 in EB-implanted quail which mounted (253 +/- 30 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that of intact quail in Experiment 1, and only 10.2% of intact males had serum E2 as high as the minimum associated with mounting in EB-implanted males. These results show that serum E2 levels in intact males are not high enough to support male-typical copulation, and that aromatization in the POA to produce locally high E2 levels may be required. In addition, it was found that the threshold serum E2 to elevate receptivity significantly was 3.6 times the intact male level, and only slightly higher than serum E2 reported for intact females. Thus the lack of receptivity in intact males is probably due to insufficient circulating E2, and the male is not defeminized with respect to sensitivity to E2 for activation of receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Watson
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Watson JT, Adkins-Regan E. Testosterone implanted in the preoptic area of male Japanese quail must be aromatized to activate copulation. Horm Behav 1989; 23:432-47. [PMID: 2793083 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(89)90055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial implantation of minute pellets of gonadal steroids was combined with aromatase inhibitor treatment to determine if aromatization within the preoptic area (POA) is necessary for androgens to activate sexual behavior in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). In this species, implantation of pellets of testosterone propionate (TP) or estradiol benzoate (EB) in the POA of castrated males restores male-typical copulatory behavior. In Experiment 1, adult male castrated quail were implanted intracranially with 200-micrograms pellets of equimolar mixtures of crystalline TP + cholesterol (CHOL), TP + 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD, an aromatase inhibitor), EB + ATD, or CHOL and behavior-tested with intact males and females. Copulation was stimulated by POA implants containing TP or EB (three of six CHOL + TP males and two of seven ATD + EB males copulated vs zero of four CHOL males), but copulation was not inhibited by combining ATD with TP (three of four ATD + TP males copulated). In Experiment 2, adult male castrated quail were injected systemically with ATD or oil for 6 days prior to and 14 days after intracranial implantation of 200-micrograms pellets containing the same amounts of TP or EB as in Experiment 1. The ATD injections completely blocked copulatory behavior in males with TP implants in the POA such that ATD/TP and Oil/TP mount frequencies differed significantly, but failed to block copulation in males with EB implants in the POA (proportions of males copulating were ATD/EB, 6/8; ATD/TP, 0/6; Oil/TP, 4/7). The cloacal foam gland, an androgen-sensitive secondary sex character, was unaffected by the dose of ATD used. We conclude that activation of copulatory behavior by TP implants in the POA is not due to nonspecific effects of high local testosterone concentrations but rather to aromatization. These results support the hypothesis that cells within the POA aromatize testosterone to estrogens, which directly stimulate the cellular processes leading to activation of male-typical copulatory behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Watson
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Watson JT, Adkins-Regan E. Activation of sexual behavior by implantation of testosterone propionate and estradiol benzoate into the preoptic area of the male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Horm Behav 1989; 23:251-68. [PMID: 2744741 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(89)90065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Intracranial implantation of minute pellets of gonadal steroids was performed to determine neuroanatomical loci at which steroids activate sexual behavior in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). In this species, systemic treatment of castrated males with either testosterone propionate (TP) or estradiol benzoate (EB) restores male-typical copulatory behavior (head grabbing, mounting, and cloacal contact movements). In addition, EB activates female-typical receptive behavior (crouching). Adult male castrated quail were implanted intracranially with 300-micrograms pellets containing TP, EB, or cholesterol (CHOL) and behavior was tested with intact males and females. Either TP or EB pellets in the preoptic area (POA) activated male-typical copulatory behavior. Mounting was specifically activated without concomitant activation of other steroid-sensitive sexual and courtship behaviors. TP and EB implants in adjacent nuclei containing receptors for these steroids and CHOL implants in POA had no effect on male-typical copulatory behavior. Eighteen percent of all males tested for female-typical receptivity crouched, but no specific effect of EB was seen at any site. The similarity of the POA sites for activation of mounting by TP and EB is consistent with the hypothesis that cells within the POA aromatize testosterone to estrogens, which directly stimulate the cellular processes leading to behavioral activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Watson
- Field of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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Brenowitz EA, Arnold AP. Accumulation of estrogen in a vocal control brain region of a duetting song bird. Brain Res 1989; 480:119-25. [PMID: 2713646 DOI: 10.1016/0006-8993(89)91574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tritiated estradiol (E) was injected into bay wrens (Thryothorus nigricapillus), a tropical species in which females sing complex vocal duets with males. Autoradiographic analysis revealed that males and females have equal proportions of cells labeled by estradiol or its metabolites (E target cells) in a telencephalic region involved in song: the caudal nucleus of the ventral hyperstriatum (HVc). Other forebrain song regions failed to show labeling by E. E or its metabolites were accumulated, however, by cells in the midbrain song region ICo (the intercollicular nucleus) and in hypothalamic regions. This pattern of accumulation in the song system differs from that observed in a previous study in which bay wrens were injected with tritiated testosterone (T); T or its metabolites were accumulated by cells in HVc, RA (robust nucleus of the archistriatum), MAN (magnocellular nucleus of the neostriatum), ICo, and nXII (hypoglossal (nucleus). Such comparison suggests that cells in HVc have different steroid accumulation properties from those in other song regions. Bay wrens differ from zebra finches (Poephilia guttata), in which HVc contains very few E target cells. The wrens are more similar to canaries (Serinus canarius), because both species have E target cells in HVc, and females of both species are able to sing. The interspecies comparison raises the question of whether the ability of HVc cells to accumulate E or its metabolites in both species constitutes a precondition for the bisexual potential for song production.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Brenowitz
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle 98195
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Abstract
The effects of testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, and androstenedione on cloacal gland and sternotracheal muscle growth and on luteinizing hormone plasma levels were studied in Japanese quail. The steroids were given to the animals in daily intramuscular injections and were dissolved either in propylene glycol or in ethanol:saline (1:1). The three steroids had significant effects on the responses which were measured, but the magnitude of this effect was clearly related to the type of vehicle in which the steroids were dissolved. Furthermore there was a significant interaction between the effects of solvents and of steroid; for example, testosterone was much less androgenic than 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone when dissolved in propylene glycol, but both had similar effects when dissolved in ethanol:saline. The effects of the mode of administration of different steroids on a given physiological response should be taken into consideration.
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Alexandre C, Balthazart J. Effects of metabolism inhibitors, antiestrogens and antiandrogens on the androgen and estrogen induced sexual behavior in Japanese quail. Physiol Behav 1986; 38:581-91. [PMID: 2950530 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(86)90429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The relative contribution of androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of testosterone to the activation of sexual behavior was studied in Japanese quail by using inhibitors of testosterone metabolism, antiestrogens and antiandrogens. These compounds were tested in castrated birds whose sexual behavior had been activated by silastic implants of testosterone (T) or daily injections of testosterone propionate (TP) or diethylstilboestrol (DES). The aromatase inhibitor ATD only depressed T-induced behavior when injected at high doses and the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, 4MA was inactive in this respect. The antiestrogens, tamoxifen (TAM) and nitromifene citrate (CI-628) strongly depressed sexual behavior but they also drastically reduced the crowing behavior which is typically androgen-dependent which throws some doubts on the specificity of their action. The antiandrogens, flutamide and cyproterone acetate (CA), only had limited inhibitory effects on the copulatory behavior but similarly decreased only marginally the crowing. As they strongly depressed the cloacal gland growth, it can be ascertained that they were injected in sufficient amounts and their lack of action on crowing questions the ability of these compounds to inhibit brain processes even when they are androgen-dependent. Taken together with the results of previous experiments which tested the behavioral effects of the testosterone metabolites, the present data confirm the implication of both androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of testosterone in the activation of behavior. Their interaction remains, however, poorly defined and its understanding will probably require the identification of the biochemical processes which in the brain mediate the behavior.
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Adkins-Regan E, Garcia M. Effect of flutamide (an antiandrogen) and diethylstilbestrol on the reproductive behavior of Japanese quail. Physiol Behav 1986; 36:419-25. [PMID: 3703970 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(86)90308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Three experiments were conducted in order to investigate the role of brain androgen and estrogen receptors in sex hormone activated male reproductive behavior in Japanese quail. In Experiment 1, castrated male quail were injected with oil, testosterone propionate (TP), flutamide (FLUT), an androgen antagonist, or TP+FLUT. Males given TP+FLUT, compared with birds receiving TP alone, strutted much less and had smaller proctodeal (foam) glands. Copulation was reduced by FLUT only on the last test day and only on one measure (number of head grabs + mounts). These results suggest that binding of testosterone or one of its metabolites to an androgen receptor is part of the mechanism of TP activated strutting, and therefore that central nervous system androgen receptors are involved in a male reproductive behavior pattern. In Experiment 2, castrated male quail were injected with oil, with 50 micrograms estradiol benzoate (EB), or with 25, 50 or 100 micrograms diethylstilbestrol (DES), a synthetic estrogen that does not bind to androgen receptors. EB but not DES activated copulation to a significant extent. In Experiment 3 male and female quail with photically regressed gonads were given intraperitoneal Silastic implants of DES, estradiol (E) or cholesterol. DES was highly effective at activating male-typical copulation in males and receptivity in both sexes. Thus hormonal interaction with estrogen receptors alone is sufficient for the activation of male-typical as well as female-typical copulatory behavior in this species.
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Abstract
A systematic analysis of the acute (minutes to hours) fluctuations of plasma steroids [androstenedione (A), 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), corticosterone (B)] was investigated in relation to the fighting behavior displayed by experienced male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix) in short-term (2 min) dyadic encounters. Plasma levels of hormones measured in competitors either 1 hr before, during, or 3 min to 6 hr following a fight related poorly to either the attacking or nonattacking behavior displayed by opponents. However, transient fluctuations measured by the percentage change from prefight levels of plasma DHT, T, and B were identified in individuals following the onset of the fight. Winners demonstrated significantly greater percentage changes than did the losers at 3, 32, and 362 min for DHT and T and at 7 min for B. These differences in hormonal responses to the fight are attributed to the more aggressive behavior displayed by the victorious opponents (winners) over their defeated competitors (losers). Significance of these rapid changes is discussed in relation to the physiology and behavior of aggressive interactions.
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Delville Y, Sulon J, Balthazart J. Hormonal correlates of gonadal regression and spontaneous recovery in Japanese quail exposed to short day-lengths. ARCHIVES INTERNATIONALES DE PHYSIOLOGIE ET DE BIOCHIMIE 1985; 93:123-33. [PMID: 2412507 DOI: 10.3109/13813458509079598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Adult male Japanese quail were transferred from long to short days. Plasma testosterone and dihydrotestosterone quickly decreased and this endocrine response was followed by a regression of the cloacal gland, an androgen-target organ. After about a month, a spontaneous recovery of gonadal activity was observed in some but not all birds. It was not associated with obvious shifts in the circadian system. The physiological bases of this spontaneous recovery are discussed as well as the detailed relationships between plasma testosterone and cloacal gland size.
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Massa R. Patterns and biological significance of steroidal hormone metabolism in birds. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1984; 232:531-7. [PMID: 6394695 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402320320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Balthazart J, Schumacher M. Organization and activation of behavior in quail: role of testosterone metabolism. THE JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY 1984; 232:595-604. [PMID: 6394700 DOI: 10.1002/jez.1402320328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
In quail, the hypothalamus enzymatically transforms testosterone (T) into estradiol (E2), 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT), and 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone (5 beta-DHT). During the embryonic life, the 5 beta-reductase activity is very high, which probably protects the brain of males from being behaviorally demasculinized by their endogenous T. 5 beta androstanes are inactive androgens. The decrease of 5 beta reductase with age during sexual maturation corresponds to a potentiation of the effects of T as shown by experiments that compared the effects of T and 5 alpha-DHT in adult and young quail. T metabolism is also involved in the activation of male behavior in the adult. T aromatization is probably essential for behavioral activation, but nonaromatizable androgens such as methyltrienolone, and to some extent 5 alpha-DHT, can also stimulate sexual behavior in castrates. These enzymatic activities show a clear neuroanatomical localization and are sexually dimorphic. Males produce more active metabolites (E2, 5 alpha-DHT) than females, which could explain the male's greater sensitivity to T treatments. It thus appears that T metabolism is involved in the differentiation and activation of behavior in quail.
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Schumacher M, Balthazart J. Sexual dimorphism in the hypothalamic metabolism of testosterone in the Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 1984; 61:53-61. [PMID: 6396714 DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(08)64428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Abalain JH, Amet Y, Daniel JY, Floch HH. Testosterone stimulation of DNA-dependent DNA polymerase activities in the cloacal and uropygial glands of the male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 52:164-71. [PMID: 6628976 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(83)90170-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
DNA polymerase alpha and beta activities were studied and compared in the cloacal gland and the uropygial gland (sebaceous-like gland) taken from castrated quails after testosterone administration. In the cloacal gland, testosterone induced an important increase in DNA polymerase alpha while DNA polymerase beta was not found to be altered. In the uropygial gland, testosterone induced a cyclic variation of DNA polymerase alpha activity which may relate to the holocrine function of this gland.
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Balthazart J, Schumacher M, Ottinger MA. Sexual differences in the Japanese quail: behavior, morphology, and intracellular metabolism of testosterone. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 51:191-207. [PMID: 6413294 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(83)90072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Three experiments were carried out to study whether differences in the intracellular metabolism of testosterone (T) can explain sexually differential responses to T in Japanese quail. In the first experiment, a series of dose-response curves in which length of Silastic testosterone implants was related to effects on several behavioral and physiological variables was established. In Experiment 2, adult males and females were assigned to six experimental groups: intact males and females (I-males and I-females), castrated males and females implanted subcutaneously with 40-mm Silastic implants of T (T-males and T-females), and castrated males and females without hormone treatment (CX-males and CX-females). No CX-bird (male or female) and no I-female exhibited male sexual behavior. However, I-males and T-males regularly copulated during the behavioral tests. No crowing was ever heard in CX-animals and I-females. T-females crowed less than T-males and their crowing sounded weaker than those of males. The cloacal glands of T-females were less developed than those of males. Radioimmunoassay of T and 5 alpha-DHT showed that T-males and T-females have similar plasma levels of androgens. No striking differences were observed in the way testosterone is metabolized by the pituitary gland and central nervous tissues of males and females. By contrast, the production of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT) and 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (5 alpha, 3 alpha-diol) was higher in the cloacal glands of males than in those of females. These sex differences were not detected between T-males and T-females. In experiment 3, the cloacal gland of males produced more 5 alpha-reduced metabolites than those of females. The pituitary gland of females also produced more 5 beta-androstane-3 alpha, 17 beta-diol (5 beta, 3 alpha-diol). In syringeal muscles, the production of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone (5 beta-DHT) and 5 beta, 3 alpha-diol was higher in females compared to males.
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Thies HU, Horst HJ, Haase E. Identification of 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone in avian plasma. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 51:154-8. [PMID: 6884757 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(83)90108-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Conscious adult domestic mallard drakes were intravenously injected with tritiated testosterone. After 30 min of in vivo conversion the steroids were extracted from the plasma and submitted to thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Using radiogas chromatography, labeled 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (5 alpha-DHT), androsterone, and epiandrosterone could be identified in the androstanolone fraction. 5 alpha-DHT was separated in a second TLC system and definitively identified by recrystallization to constant specific activity.
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Oishi T, Konishi T. Variations in the photoperiodic cloacal response of Japanese quail: association with testes weight and feather color. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1983; 50:1-10. [PMID: 6852518 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(83)90236-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The size of the cloacal gland was found to be a reliable indicator of testicular activity of Japanese quail. Six experiments were performed to examine the effects of alternating long and short photoperiod on the size of the cloacal gland of male Japanese quail. Three types of photoperiodic cloacal responses were distinguished. Type I birds became refractory to short photoperiods after they had experienced 5 weeks or more of short days. They maintained large cloacal glands under subsequent condition of alternating long and short photoperiod. Type II birds were intermediate types I and III birds did not become refractory to short photoperiods after experiencing 5 weeks or more of short days. The cloacal glands responded to conditions of alternating long and short photoperiods with increases or decreases in size. Feather color on the throat was found to correspond to the type of cloacal response. Type I birds had brick-red throat feathers. Type II birds had white feathers intermingled with brick-red feathers. Type III had white throat feathers. The percentages of types I, II, and III observed in the experimental population was 67, 18, and 15%, respectively. Type III birds were used to study the effects of blinding on the cloacal response to short photoperiod. Five out of eight blinded type III birds did not lose the responsiveness to short photoperiod. These results are consistent with the view that extraocular photoreceptors participate in the photoperiodic gonadal response of Japanese quail.
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Abstract
Castrated zebra finches receiving one of six hormone treatments were given three weekly tests with different females and their sexual behavior was contrasted with that of two control groups consisting of intact or castrated males given implants of cholesterol. The six hormone treatments were: two aromatizable androgens, testosterone (T) and androstenedione (AE); two nonaromatizable androgens, androsterone (AN) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT); an estrogen, estradiol (E); or a combination of E + DHT. Half the males receiving DHT received the 5 alpha-isomer, half received the 5 beta-isomer. Castration significantly reduced the proportion of males which courted females, total courtship displays, high-intensity courtship displays, beak wiping activity, and significantly increased the latencies to show these behaviors compared to intact males. Castrated males never attempted to mount a female. All of these measures of courtship and copulatory behavior were restored to normal levels only by treatments providing both estrogenic and alpha-androgenic metabolites (i.e., T, AE, E + alpha DHT). AE was clearly the most effective of these, raising behavior significantly above normal on several measures. AN treatment was more effective than alpha DHT on all measures and not significantly different from intact birds on some. Treatment with E, alpha DHT, beta DHT, or E + beta DHT was totally ineffective. Surprisingly, females only solicited males whose hormone treatments provided estrogenic metabolites. Not only did they solicit males given aromatizable androgens, which showed high rates of courtship activity, they also solicited males given E or E + beta DHT, some of which never even courted. Castration and hormone treatment also affected body and syringeal weight, but in opposite directions. Castration increased body weight while decreasing syringeal weight. Hormone treatments providing alpha-androgenic metabolites decreased body weight and increased syrinx weight. Treatments supplying estrogen as well were slightly more effective.
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Schumacher M, Balthazart J. The effects of testosterone and its metabolites on sexual behavior and morphology in male and female Japanese quail. Physiol Behav 1983; 30:335-9. [PMID: 6867131 DOI: 10.1016/0031-9384(83)90135-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Deviche P, Bottoni L, Balthazart J. 5 beta-Dihydrotestosterone is weakly androgenic in the adult Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Gen Comp Endocrinol 1982; 48:421-4. [PMID: 7160608 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(82)90176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Deviche P, Balthazart J, Malacarne G, Hendrick JC. Effects of in vivo corticosterone treatment on the in vitro metabolism of testosterone in the comb and brain of the young male chicken. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1982; 48:398-402. [PMID: 7152241 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(82)90152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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42
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Adkins-Regan E, Hurvitz ED. O.p'-DDT causes growth of an androgen-dependent gland in Coturnix quail. EXPERIENTIA 1982; 38:1082-3. [PMID: 7128755 DOI: 10.1007/bf01955380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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43
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Deviche P, Schumacher M. Behavioural and morphological dose-responses to testosterone and to 5α-dihydrotestosterone in the castrated male Japanese quail. Behav Processes 1982; 7:107-21. [DOI: 10.1016/0376-6357(82)90020-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/1981] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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44
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Balthazart J, Malacarne G, Deviche P. Stimulatory effects of 5 beta-dihydrotestosterone on the sexual behavior in the domestic chick. Horm Behav 1981; 15:246-58. [PMID: 6457790 DOI: 10.1016/0018-506x(81)90014-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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45
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Abalain JH, Amet Y, Daniel JY, Floch HH. [Effect of testosterone on the RNA polymerase I and II activity of the uropygial and cloacal glands of the male quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)]. Gen Comp Endocrinol 1981; 44:189-93. [PMID: 7250682 DOI: 10.1016/0016-6480(81)90247-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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