Steroid regulation of territorial scent marking in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)*1

摘要: Abstract Mongolian gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus ) display a territorial scent marking response associated with ventral sebaceous gland. In males, both the gland and behavior are androgen dependent hormone control of is delimited to preoptic area. The present study examines effects eleven steroids, injected subcutaneously or implanted into area, on in adult male castrates. Steroid function also described. neural target cells that mediate respond narrower range steroids than do peripheral Testosterone appears be only endogenous steroid capable eliciting males. Other which share molecular commonalities testosterone (a 17β-hydroxyl group double bond involving carbon 4) induce behavior. Central receptors may recognize relevant steroid, testosterone, by these features.