Regulation by Androgen of Levels of the β Subunit of Nerve Growth Factor and Its mRNA in Selected Regions of the Mouse Brain

摘要: : Our previous studies showed that the concentration of β subunit nerve growth factor (β-NGF) in nervous tissues is higher male than female mice. To identify brain regions are affected by androgens, amounts β-NGF protein and its mRNAs were measured male, female, castrated CD-1 mice testicular feminization at 3–4 months age. Among examined, hypophysis males contained highest average protein. In most brain, individual levels more variable females. However, after castration, such variations disappeared. Average cerebellum (eightfold higher), olfactory bulb (12-fold hypothalamus (sixfold (72-fold higher) thope corresponding No significant differences observed hippocampus, cerebral cortex, striatum, septum, brainstem. The castration caused a reduction hypophysis, but not bulb, to femgle levels. concentrations similar those all regions. mRNA for from By contrast, northern blots no remarkable brain-derived neurotrophic neurotrophin-3 between two sexes. Thus, some production appears be regulated testosterone, regulatory mechanisms do appear simple. present results indicate binding testosterone receptor an important step regulation level these region.