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HERO ID
7438161
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Neuroendocrinology of Male Reproductive Behavior
Author(s)
Baum, MJ; ,
Year
2007
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Hormones and Behavior
ISSN:
0018-506X
EISSN:
1095-6867
Publisher
Springer US
Location
Boston, MA
Book Title
Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology
Page Numbers
1-35
PMID
17482616
DOI
10.1007/978-0-387-30405-2_1
Web of Science Id
WOS:000247535000011
URL
http://link.springer.com/10.1007/978-0-387-30405-2_1
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Abstract
The sheep offers a unique model to study male sexual behavior and sexual partner preference. Rams are seasonal breeders and show the greatest libido during short days coincident with the resumption of ovarian cyclicity in the ewe. Threshold concentrations of testosterone are required for the acquisition and display of adult sexual behavior. In addition, estrogens produced from circulating testosterone by cytochrome P450 aromatase in the preoptic area are critical for the maintenance of sexual behaviors in rams. Sex differences in adult reproductive behaviors and hormone responsiveness are the result of permanent organizational effects exerted by testosterone and its metabolites on brain development. Early exposure to ewes enhances ram sexual performance, but cannot prevent some rams from exhibiting male-oriented sexual partner preferences. Neurochemical and neuroanatomical studies suggest that male-oriented ram behavior may be a consequence of individual variations in brain sexual differentiation. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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