Rapid effects of estradiol on aggression depend on genotype in a species with an estrogen receptor polymorphism.
Horm Behav
; 98: 210-218, 2018 02.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29277700
ABSTRACT
The white-throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) represents a powerful model in behavioral neuroendocrinology because it occurs in two plumage morphs that differ with respect to steroid-dependent social behaviors. Birds of the white-striped (WS) morph engage in more territorial aggression than do birds of the tan-striped (TS) morph, and the TS birds engage in more parenting behavior. This behavioral polymorphism is caused by a chromosomal inversion that has captured many genes, including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that morph differences in aggression might be explained by differential sensitivity to estradiol (E2). We administered E2 non-invasively to non-breeding white-throated sparrows and quantified aggression toward a conspecific 10â¯min later. E2 administration rapidly increased aggression in WS birds but not TS birds, consistent with our hypothesis that differential sensitivity to E2 may at least partially explain morph differences in aggression. To query the site of E2 action in the brain, we administered E2 and quantified Egr-1 expression in brain regions in which expression of ERα is known to differ between the morphs. E2 treatment decreased Egr-1 immunoreactivity in nucleus taeniae of the amygdala, but this effect did not depend on morph. Overall, our results support a role for differential effects of E2 on aggression in the two morphs, but more research will be needed to determine the neuroanatomical site of action.
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Conducta Animal
/
Agresión
/
Gorriones
/
Receptor alfa de Estrógeno
/
Estradiol
Límite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Horm Behav
Año:
2018
Tipo del documento:
Article