Differential Expression of Oestrogen Receptor α Following Reproductive Experience in Young and Middle‐Aged Female Rats

摘要: Reproductive experience (i.e. pregnancy and lactation) alters a number of physiological behavioral endpoints, many which are related to reproductive function regulated by oestrogen. For example, significantly attenuates the oestradiol-induced prolactin surge on afternoon proestrous circulating oestradiol levels reduced at this time. While parity-related effects oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) have been observed within anterior pituitary, there currently no data regarding possible parity-induced alterations in ERα brain. Thus, purpose current study was examine effect parity expression reproductively relevant brain regions. Moreover, because previous findings demonstrated that long-term often oestrous cycle dependent, examined two stages (diestrous proestrous). Finally, as is influenced age, both young middle-aged females were included present study. status determined using immunohistochemistry select regions involved regulation behavior age-matched, cycling primiparous (one nulliparous well non-cycling (persistent estrus) 12 month-old females. Significant shifts cell numbers medial preoptic area amygdala consequence an oestrous-dependent manner. These indicate significant changes activity occur experience.