Dopamine content and metabolism in mesencephalic and diencephalic cell cultures: sex differences and effects of sex steroids.

摘要: Sexual differentiation of dopaminergic neurons was studied in gender- specific cultures. Dissociated cell cultures were prepared from di- or mesencephalon gestational day 14 rat embryos and raised the absence presence 17 beta-estradiol testosterone for up to 13 days vitro (DIV). Developmental profiles levels dopamine (DA) metabolites as well capacity vesicular storage transmitter determined by HPLC. Tyrosine hydroxylase- immunoreactive (TH-IR) counted. Higher DA measured female than male both brain regions. In mesencephalic cultures, differences fully accounted sex numbers TH-IR cells, whereas no found diencephalic Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) matured faster but observed. Homovanillic (HVA) could not be detected except 13-DIV Hormonal treatment did erase sexual neurons. Irrespective gender, however, steroids decreased DOPAC contents It is proposed that systems proceeds a region-specific fashion neurogenesis development various parameters activity may differentially affected. initiated independently action gonadal steroid hormones subsequently modified hormonal environment.