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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1984

Hormonal mediation of reproductive behavior.

Reproductive capability requires synchronization of both endocrine and behavioral components of reproduction. The classic view of reproductive behavior was that there was simply direct stimulation of a behavioral response by the appropriate gonadal steroid. However, it has become clear with recent developments in the field of behavioral endocrinology that the relationship of hormonal and behavioral processes is complex. In addition to the complexity of the mechanisms involved, other factors, both social and environmental, influence both the endocrine and behavioral responses. This paper provides an overview of selected issues within the field of behavioral endocrinology which deal with mechanisms of hormonal induction of behavior at various stages of the life cycle and with factors that interact with these processes.

Aging↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal changes of reproductive behavior and fecal steroid concentrations in Père David's deer.

From July 1997 to September 1997 and from March 1998 to July 1998, we studied reproductive behaviors of Père David's deer in Dafeng, China. During the field behavioral observations, we collected fresh voided fecal samples from the Père David's stags and hinds periodically and kept those samples under -20 degrees C until laboratory analysis. We analyzed the fecal testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone concentrations in those samples using radioimmunoassay. During this study, we also recorded 17 types of male reproductive behaviors and nine types of female reproductive behaviors. Reproductive behaviors and the fecal steroid concentrations showed overt seasonal fluctuations. There were statistically significant correlations between some male reproductive behaviors, such as anogenital sniffing, urine sniffing, urine spraying, wallowing, bellowing, antler adorning, Antler swags mud, chasing, herding hinds, chin resting, mounting and copulating, with the fecal testosterone concentrations. These results suggested that seasonal reproductive behaviors in stags are strongly associated with circulating testosterone. We also found that some female reproductive behaviors fluctuate corresponding with changes in fecal estrogen concentrations. Although there was no direct evidence to confirm the correlations between female reproductive behaviors and fecal estrogen in our experiment, we could not rule out that reproductive activities of hinds were largely related to ovarian estrogen secretion, and estrogen is necessary for inducing female reproductive behaviors.

Acclimatization↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Mexico: reproductive behavior and social margination, 1970-1990. Elements of geographic diagnosis in reproductive health].

The lack of a definite knowledge on regional reproductive behavior characteristics hinders the evaluation of the goals stated in the General Population Law (Ley General de Población) and counteracts any efforts towards equating population growth with regional development. The present work aims at overcoming this problem. Indirect specific fertility rates and global fertility rates (GFR) were obtained by state, using census and vital statistics data for the states of Mexico during the 1970-1990 period. Reproductive behavior was related to social deprivation indexes used by PRONASOL and CONAPO for those years. A high statistically significant correlation (p < 0.01) between state social deprivation levels and the downward trends of GFR for the same decades was found. Findings evidence a general downward trend of GFR during the period of study. However, this trend was not uniform across the country. Further studies are needed to determine whether these differences are due to the various social deprivation levels rather than to the effectiveness and extension of family planning programs. Mapping these results could be useful as diagnostic elements of the reproductive behavior of the population and also generates information necessary to support social organized responses in reproductive health.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Reproductive behavior of the stallion.

The reproductive behavior of semi-wild and feral horses is described briefly in order to provide a background on the reproductive patterns and the specific behavioral elements comprising courtship and mating in the horse. The reproductive behavior of the domestic stallion is discussed at length as are various breeding conditions and normal breeding performance. Finally, sexual behavior problems are considered.

Androgens↗
PubMed1998

Sensory and motor components of reproductive behavior: pathways and plasticity.

Reproductive behavior in most mammalian species consists of a highly stereotyped pattern of movements, is elicited by specific sensory stimuli and is sex steroid dependent. The present paper describes a concept of the pathways in the midbrain, brainstem and spinal cord which control the receptive posture of the female cat. The midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG), which is an important structure in the Emotional Motor System (EMS), receives direct input from a distinct group of neurons in the dorsal horn of the lumbosacral cord. This cell group overlaps with the location of pelvic and to lesser extent, pudendal nerve primary afferents, which convey information from the pelvic viscera and sex organs to the central nervous system. The PAG, in turn, controls various motor components of female receptive behavior using different pathways. For example, immobility, which is one of the characteristics of receptive behavior, might be mediated by a diffuse pathway from the PAG, via the ventral part of the medial medullary tegmentum, to all parts of the spinal ventral horn. More specific components, such as hindlimb treading, lateral deviation of the tail and elevation of the lower back, are thought to be controlled by a circumscribed projection from the PAG to the nucleus retroambiguus (NRA). The NRA is a group of interneurons at the transition between brainstem and spinal cord and projects directly to distinct lumbosacral motoneuronal cell groups, which innervate muscles that are likely to be involved in the female receptive posture. Estrogen induces axonal sprouting of the NRA-lumbosacral pathway in adult female cats, which explains why female cats only display receptive behavior when estrogen levels are high.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Does the lateral bundle of the medial olfactory tract mediate reproductive behavior in male crucian carp?

The olfactory tract in crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is divided into three distinct bundles: the lateral tract (LOT) and the lateral (lMOT) and medial (mMOT) bundles of the medial tract. The LOT has been shown to mediate information associated with feeding behavior, whereas the mMOT mediates information associated with alarm response. The role of the medial olfactory tract (lMOT and mMOT) in reproductive behavior is still under debate. In the present experiment, male reproductive behavior towards prostaglandin-injected females was investigated before and after cutting off the different olfactory tract bundles, to determine which of the tract bundles is essential for mediating reproductive behavior in male crucian carp. The fish were maintained in physiological saline before and after surgery to preserve the remaining tract bundles. Operations were performed symmetrically on both sides and post-operative inspections revealed the functionality of the intact tracts. Sham-operated males and males with only the lMOT intact showed typical reproductive behavior, with following of the female and inspections of the female anal papilla. However, males in which the lMOT was cut, leaving both the mMOT and the LOT intact, showed reduced reproductive behavior. Our results suggest that the lMOT mediates reproductive behavior in male crucian carp.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Progesterone-like effects of estradiol on reproductive behavior and hypothalamic progestin receptors in the female rat.

During the rat estrous cycle, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) synergize to activate reproductive behavior. However, receptivity and proceptivity can be elicited by E2 alone in ovariectomized (OVX) animals, particularly when E2 doses are high. The purpose of this study was to determine the neuroendocrine mechanism by which E2 elicits P-dependent reproductive behavior. Adult OVX females received estrogen treatment for 72 h, which consisted of 5 mm Silastic capsules containing 100% E2 or 10% E2, or of 3 injections of estradiol benzoate (EB; 20 micrograms daily). At 72 h, animals were sacrificed for nuclear progestin receptor (NPR) measurements, while others were tested for reproductive behavior. The remaining animals received 1-mg injections of E2, P, moxestrol (Mox) or oil, and either were sacrificed 2 h later for NPR measurements or were tested 4 h later for reproductive behavior. A subset of the animals receiving 1 mg E2 received concurrent administration of the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin (ANI; 100 mg/kg). Acute administration of 1 mg of E2 or P significantly elevated proceptivity, receptivity and NPRs in the mediobasal hypothalamus-preoptic area (MBH-POA) and pituitary (PIT) in females primed with 100% E2. An equivalent dose of Mox was without effect. ANI blocked the acute activation of feminine reproductive behavior by 1 mg of E2. In the absence of acute steroid administration, animals primed for 72 h with EB showed higher levels of reproductive behavior than animals primed with 100% E2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Immunoneutralization of gonadotropin-releasing hormone type-III suppresses male reproductive behavior of cichlids.

To investigate the roles of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) types in reproductive behaviors, antisera against GnRH1, GnRH2 and GnRH3 were stereotaxically administered into the intracerebroventricular region to neutralize the three native GnRH types in the brain of male tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Reproductive behaviors (nest-building and aggressive behaviors), and morphological changes of the three GnRH systems were investigated by immunocytochemistry. GnRH1, GnRH2 and GnRH3 immunoreactive fibers were significantly decreased following injections of GnRH antisera indicating successful neutralization of their respective endogenous GnRH peptides. GnRH1- and GnRH2-immunoneutralization did not inhibit reproductive behaviors but GnRH3-immunoneutralization significantly decreased nest-building ability (Saline: 26.5 +/- 3.7%/day versus GnRH3: 6.1 +/- 2.9%/day, P < 0.001), nest size (Saline: 0.67 +/- 0.09 points versus GnRH3: 0.10 +/- 0.05 points, P < 0.0002) and aggressive behavior (Saline: 2.34 +/- 0.19 points versus GnRH3 1.06 +/- 0.12 points, P < 0.0001). These observations provide evidence that GnRH3 is a potent neuromodulator of reproductive behaviors in male tilapia.

Aggression↗
PubMed2006

Effects of dietary methylmercury on reproductive behavior of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas).

We examined the effects of dietary methylmercury on the production of testosterone in and the reproductive behavior of male fish. Juvenile fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were fed one of three diets contaminated with methylmercury at concentrations of 0.06 (control), 0.87 (low), and 3.93 (medium) microg Hg/g dry weight. After attaining sexual maturity, fish were paired for mating, and male behaviors were recorded. Carcass mercury and plasma testosterone concentrations also were measured. No significant differences were found in the amount of time spent by male fish in nest preparation or courtship activities, but dietary methylmercury suppressed mating behavior. Fish that were fed control diets spent approximately 5% of their time spawning; fish that were fed methylmercury-contaminated diets spent approximately 0.5% of their time spawning. Total mercury concentration in the carcass was not correlated with any individual reproductive behavior but was correlated with hypoactivity. Fish that were fed the low- and medium-methylmercury diets and with mean carcass concentrations of 0.71 to 4.2 microg Hg/g dry weight spent an average of 19 to 26% of their time being inactive; control fish with an average of 0.07 microg Hg/g dry weight spent only 8% of their time being inactive. No significant difference was found in testosterone concentrations among dietary treatments; however, testosterone was positively correlated with individual nest preparatory, courtship, and spawning behaviors and negatively correlated with the total amount of time spent in all nonreproductive behaviors. The relation between testosterone, reproductive behavior, and spawning success suggests that altered behavior is, in part, responsible for suppression of reproduction in methylmercury-exposed fish. Moreover, reproductive behavior may be more sensitive than steroid hormones to alteration by dietary methylmercury.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Central insulin administration maintains reproductive behavior in diabetic female rats.

Diabetic female rats have decreased ovulation, reproductive behavior and luteinizing hormone surges. Peripheral insulin treatment restores the phenotype to normal and also corrects many of the metabolic changes. To further evaluate the role of insulin in the specific maintenance of reproductive behavior, rather than administering it peripherally, we gave insulin intracerebroventricularly (ICV) at doses that did not correct the peripheral metabolic changes associated with diabetes such as hyperglycemia. During the experiment, we assessed the general activity and reproductive behavior of gonadectomized, estrogen- and progesterone-treated diabetic and control, nondiabetic female rats. Some of the animals received ICV saline, the rest received ICV insulin. General activity (ambulation, rearing and corner sniffing) was not affected by any of the treatments. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in a significantly decreased lordosis quotient, and ICV insulin was able to completely prevent this reduction. Furthermore, ICV insulin was able to cause a modest increase in the lordosis quotient among nondiabetic rats as well. Moreover, ICV insulin also increased the quality of lordosis among diabetic rats. Our results support a central role of insulin in the control of reproductive functions, beyond maintaining the homeostatic and metabolic balance.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Reproductive behavior of ethnic groups from Antioquia, Colombia].

OBJECTIVE: To identify the reproductive timing, intensity, and rhythm of the Embera, (Eyabida, Dobida, and Chamibida subgroups) and Zenues ethnic groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sociodemographic study was conducted during 1996-1997 in Antioquia, Colombia, on a non-random population sample, stratified by ethnic group, to compare reproductive behaviors within and between these ethnic groups. Statistical analysis for independent samples was conducted using the software program Epi-Info. Analysis included the Student's t test for difference of means, and the chi-squared test for difference of proportions. RESULTS: Reproductive behavior was characterized by ages at first intercourse of 14.5 and 15.8 years; the average interval before pregnancy was 1 to 1.3 years, followed by 48% to 73.3% of short-spaced intergenesic intervals. Reproductive stress was 50% during reproductive life, reaching an accelerated rhythm at 30-34 years of age, with a high fecundity ratio averaging 10.5 births, except for the better educated Chamibida that had 4 births on average. CONCLUSIONS: Mainstream health policies directed at controlling birthrates are far from appropriate because they do not take into account the specific reproductive behaviors of these ethnic groups. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Deficits in reproductive behavior in diabetic female rats are due to hypoinsulinemia rather than hyperglycemia.

These studies determined whether deficits in reproductive behavior observed in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic female rats are caused by hyperglycemia or loss of insulin. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were ovariectomized and made diabetic by a single ip injection of STZ (75 mg/kg). Reproductive behavior was measured 12 days after the onset of hyperglycemia following the injection of estrogen and progesterone in doses known to restore reproductive behavior in nondiabetic rats. Rats in which STZ produced diabetes showed significantly reduced receptive and proceptive sexual behaviors. Normalization of blood glucose levels either by restricting diet or by phlorizin treatment failed to restore reproductive behavior in diabetic animals. However, even doses of insulin which were not fully effective in correcting peripheral hyperglycemia were able to prevent the STZ-induced behavioral deficit. No changes in general activity were observed in any experimental group as assessed by open field activity. The density of the norepinephrine transporter, as measured by [3H]nisoxetine binding, was reduced in the cortex but not in the brain stem, hypothalamus, or hippocampus of diabetic animals. Insulin treatment prevented the loss of cortical [3H]nisoxetine binding, and even partial normalization of blood glucose restored cortical [3H]nisoxetine binding to control levels. These findings suggest that diabetes-induced reproductive deficits are due to hypoinsulinemia and cannot be corrected simply by the normalization of blood glucose, whereas reductions in the density of cortical norepinephrine transporter result from hyperglycemia.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Differential effects of chronic escapable versus inescapable stress on male syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus) reproductive behavior.

Stress decreases sexual activity, but it is uncertain which aspects of stress are detrimental to reproduction. This study used an escapable/inescapable stress paradigm to attempt to dissociate physical from psychological components of stress, and assess each component's impact on reproductive behavior in the male Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Two experiments were completed using this protocol where two animals receive the same physical stressor (an electric footshock) but differ in the psychological aspect of control. One group (executive) could terminate the shock for themselves as well as a second group (yoked) by pressing a bar. Experiment 1 demonstrated a significant increase in plasma glucocorticoids at the end of a single 90-min stress session with no difference in glucocorticoid levels between the executive and yoked groups at any time point. Experiment 2 quantified male reproductive behavior prior to and immediately following 12 days of escapable or inescapable stress in executive, yoked, and no-stress control hamsters (n = 12/group). Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a number of significant changes in reproductive behavior before and after stress in the three treatment groups. The most striking difference was a decrease in hit rate observed only in the animals that could not control their stress (yoked group). Hit rate in the executive males that received the exact same physical stressor but could terminate the shock by pressing a bar was nearly identical to control animals that never received any foot shock. Therefore, we conclude that coping or control can ameliorate the negative effects of stress on male reproductive behavior.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Hormonal and neurotransmitter regulation of GnRH gene expression and related reproductive behaviors.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), having a highly conserved structure across mammalian species, plays a pivotal role in the control of the neuroendocrine events and the inherent sexual behaviors essential for reproductive function. Recent advances in molecular genetic technology have contributed greatly to the investigation of several aspects of GnRH physiology, particularly steroid hormone and neurotransmitter regulation of GnRH gene expression. Behavioral studies have focused on the actions of GnRH in steroid-sensitive brain regions to understand better its role in the facilitation of mating behavior. To date, however, there are no published reports which directly correlate GnRH gene expression and reproductive behavior. The intent of this article is to review the current understanding of the way in which changes in GnRH gene expression, and modifications of GnRH neuronal activity, may ultimately influence reproductive behavior.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Effect of estradiol implants on reproductive behavior of female Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus).

The role of estrogens in reproductive behavior of free-living birds has been little investigated, despite the importance of estrogens in coordinating reproductive behavior and the need for information on potential effects of estrogenic contaminants on wildlife. We gave subcutaneous implants of estradiol (E2) to 15 female Lapland longspurs (Calcarius lapponicus), an arctic bird with a six-week breeding season. Controls were 9 females with empty implants and 14 unimplanted females. After implantation, E2 females had greater E2 levels and greater body mass than controls. We did not detect any increases in, or prolongation of, sexual or nest-building behavior. The incubation period was longer for E2 nests than for control nests. Nest videotapes showed that E2 females and their mates exhibited normal nestling care, and nestling growth, fledging success, and overwinter survival were also unaffected. However, whenever the males arrived at the nests, E2 females showed a significantly greater likelihood of begging from the male rather than leaving the nest. Courtship or incubation feeding have been considered atypical for this species, and it is not clear what role E2 normally plays in promoting begging behavior. Overall, elevated E2 levels did not result in any obvious costs for the female, save perhaps for slightly reduced incubation efficiency. The weak response to hormonal implants is similar to patterns seen in male Lapland longspurs, and may be related to the short breeding season. However, since little is presently known about the role of estrogens in behavior of wild female birds, it remains to be seen whether these patterns are typical of female passerines in general, or of short-season breeders. Further research on effects of estrogens (both exogenous and endogenous) on free-living female birds is needed.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Influence of melatonin on reproductive behavior in male rats.

The influence of melatonin on reproductive behavior was examined by administering it to pinealectomized male rats for 30 consecutive days. After the 30-d administration of melatonin or vehicle, each male rat was introduced into a female rat's cage on the day of proestrus and allowed to mate overnight. All rats administered the vehicle and the pinealectomized rats copulated; five of the twelve melatonin (8.0 mg/kg)-treated rats did not copulate. These findings suggest that melatonin inhibits the reproductive behavior of male rats.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Prostaglandin-F2 alpha stimulates reproductive behavior of female paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis).

The function of prostaglandin-F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in reproductive behavior of adult female paradise fish (Macropodus opercularis) was evaluated. In experiment 1, females were allowed to spawn normally with a male and were left with that male until the following day when testing occurred. Subjects were then randomly assigned to one of three groups: PGF2 alpha (N = 8), vehicle control (N = 3), or a handling control (N = 3); for testing, females were removed, injected, then returned to the same tank. Seven of the eight subjects injected with 500 ng PGF2 alpha initiated complete reproductive behavior following injection. Vehicle and handling control subjects did not show any female reproductive behaviors. Prostaglandin-induced increases in sexual behaviors were seen from 15 to 75 min after the injection and were maximal approximately 45 min postinjection. In experiment 2, mature but unspawned (and presumably sexually naive) females were placed for 1 hr with males which were actively nestbuilding and parenting, following which subjects were either injected with PGF2 alpha (N = 6) or given a vehicle injection (N = 6). Experimental females did not behave differently from control females. Neither groups was observed to approach the male or initiate spawning behaviors following treatment; all subjects in both groups spawned on the following day. In experiment 3, sexually mature females were given extended familiarity with the male and the test tank. Pairs which had not spawned after 6 days (unspawned) were randomly assigned to experimental (N = 6) or control (N = 5) groups. Pairs which had spawned 1 day previously (N = 6) formed a "prespawned" comparison group. Females from the experimental and prespawned groups were injected with PGF2 alpha (500 ng), while the control females received a vehicle injection. Half of the "prespawned" females performed spawning acts while none of the unspawned or control females did so. Detailed behavioral analyses showed little or no effect of PG treatment, despite greater familiarity with the male. In experiment 4, females were placed with males and observed until the early signs of spawning, at which time they were injected with indomethacin (a PG synthesis inhibitor) or vehicle. The behavior of females treated with 35 micrograms (N = 3) or 70 micrograms (N = 6) of indomethacin was unaffected by indomethacin and largely indistinguishable from controls (N = 6). In summary, exogenous prostaglandins reinstate sexual behavior in female paradise fish. However, responsiveness to prostaglandins is influenced by prior sexual experience.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗