Female sexual behavior in mice is controlled by kisspeptin neurons.
Nat Commun
; 9(1): 400, 2018 01 26.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-29374161
ABSTRACT
Sexual behavior is essential for the survival of many species. In female rodents, mate preference and copulatory behavior depend on pheromones and are synchronized with ovulation to ensure reproductive success. The neural circuits driving this orchestration in the brain have, however, remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that neurons controlling ovulation in the mammalian brain are at the core of a branching neural circuit governing both mate preference and copulatory behavior. We show that male odors detected in the vomeronasal organ activate kisspeptin neurons in female mice. Classical kisspeptin/Kiss1R signaling subsequently triggers olfactory-driven mate preference. In contrast, copulatory behavior is elicited by kisspeptin neurons in a parallel circuit independent of Kiss1R involving nitric oxide signaling. Consistent with this, we find that kisspeptin neurons impinge onto nitric oxide-synthesizing neurons in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Our data establish kisspeptin neurons as a central regulatory hub orchestrating sexual behavior in the female mouse brain.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Comportamento Sexual Animal
/
Kisspeptinas
/
Neurônios
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2018
Tipo de documento:
Article