Date of Award
12-3-2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Andrew N. Clancy - Chair
Second Advisor
Dr. Sarah L. Pallas
Third Advisor
Dr. Laura L. Carruth
Abstract
Male rat copulation is mediated by estrogen-sensitive neurons in the medial preoptic area (MPO) and medial amygdala (MEA); however, the mechanisms through which estradiol (E2) acts are not fully understood. We hypothesized that E2 acts through estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the MPO and MEA to promote male mating behavior. Antisense oligodeoxyneucleotides (AS-ODN) complementary to ERα mRNA were bilaterally infused via minipumps into either brain area to block the synthesis of ERα, which we predicted would reduce mating. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry revealed a knockdown of ERα in each brain region; however, compared to saline controls, males receiving AS-ODN to the MPO showed significant reductions in all components of mating, whereas males receiving AS-ODN to the MEA continued to mate normally. These results suggest that E2 acts differently in these brain regions to express sexual behavior and that ERα in the MPO, but not in the MEA, promotes mating.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.57709/1059207
Recommended Citation
Paisley, Jacquelyn Carrie, "Differential Effects of Estrogen Receptor alpha Suppression by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides in the Medial Preoptic Area and the Medial Amygdala on Male Rat Mating Behavior." Thesis, Georgia State University, 2007.
doi: https://doi.org/10.57709/1059207