Perinatal Effects of Sex Steroids on Brain Development and Function

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the effects of sex steroids on brain development and function. The subject present can be summarized by question: “What brings about functional differences in activity?” concept that perinatal steroid environment determines sexual neuroendocrine function is reviewed both with respect to control pituitary activity female behavior. Various drugs were used elucidate possible mechanism(s) exogenous androgen “masculinizing” brain. In male testosterone spermatazoa are produced at a relatively constant rate specific masculine behavioral patterns displayed sexually receptive partner essentially any time. contrast, rat exhibits cyclic reproductive activity. Cyclic changes ovarian secretion, which produce vaginal cycle, turn result fluctuations hypothalamic secretion gonadotrophin (GTH) releasing factors. Sexual behavior rat, addition being its appearance, quite distinct from male. permanent action gonadal hormones during period unique led proposal have two types depending state central nervous system, either “organizational” or “activational.”