Hormonal and Pheromonal Modulation of the Extended Amygdala: Implications for Social Behavior

Swann, Jennifer M.; Fabre-Nys, Claude; Barton, Robert A.

doi:10.1016/b978-008088783-8.00012-7

Cited by 7 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 298 publications

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“…The MeA seems to filter and categorize the received chemosensory information, which would be relayed: (1) to the neural circuit for socio-sexual behavior (pheromones) through projections to the MePD and posteromedial BST; and (2) to the neural circuit for defensive behavior (e.g., predator-derived chemosignals) through projections to the MePV and posterointermediate BST (Samuelsen and Meredith, 2009 ). In fact, the MePD projects massively to the posteromedial BST, and both nuclei are sexually dimorphic and enriched in steroid-sensitive cells involved in the control of sexual behavior (Mitra et al, 2003 ; Swann et al, 2009 ). In contrast, the MePV has been said to project mainly to structures involved in defensive behavior (Canteras, 2002 ; Choi et al, 2005 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although there are numerous experimental evidences in support to this view (see Swann et al, 2009, for a review), we want to point out that parts of this circuit may be involved in non-sexual aspects of reproductive behavior, such as maternal aggression (Hasen and Gammie, 2006). In fact, a recent study has revealed the presence within the ventrolateral part of the VMH of male mice of mainly distinct neuronal subpopulations involved in fighting against male intruders and in mating (Lin et al, 2011).…”

Section: Conclusion and Functional Remarksmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…The main and accessory olfactory systems provide key sensory inputs to the network of neural structures controlling sociosexual behaviors in rodents (Swann et al, 2009 ). This network is composed of a number of interconnected nuclei rich in neurons expressing receptors for sexual steroids, including the medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me), the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), the lateral ventral septum, and the medial preoptic area (MPA) (Newman, 1999 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

Pardo-Bellver¹,

Cádiz-Moretti²,

Novejarque³

et al. 2012

Front. Neuroanat.

144

113

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The medial amygdaloid nucleus (Me) is a key structure in the control of sociosexual behavior in mice. It receives direct projections from the main and accessory olfactory bulbs (AOB), as well as an important hormonal input. To better understand its behavioral role, in this work we investigate the structures receiving information from the Me, by analysing the efferent projections from its anterior (MeA), posterodorsal (MePD) and posteroventral (MePV) subdivisions, using anterograde neuronal tracing with biotinylated and tetrametylrhodamine-conjugated dextranamines. The Me is strongly interconnected with the rest of the chemosensory amygdala, but shows only moderate projections to the central nucleus and light projections to the associative nuclei of the basolateral amygdaloid complex. In addition, the MeA originates a strong feedback projection to the deep mitral cell layer of the AOB, whereas the MePV projects to its granule cell layer. The Me (especially the MeA) has also moderate projections to different olfactory structures, including the piriform cortex (Pir). The densest outputs of the Me target the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST) and the hypothalamus. The MeA and MePV project to key structures of the circuit involved in the defensive response against predators (medial posterointermediate BST, anterior hypothalamic area, dorsomedial aspect of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus), although less dense projections also innervate reproductive-related nuclei. In contrast, the MePD projects mainly to structures that control reproductive behaviors [medial posteromedial BST, medial preoptic nucleus, and ventrolateral aspect of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus], although less dense projections to defensive-related nuclei also exist. These results confirm and extend previous results in other rodents and suggest that the medial amygdala is anatomically and functionally compartmentalized.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Conclusion and Functional Remarksmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

Pardo-Bellver¹,

Cádiz-Moretti²,

Novejarque³

et al. 2012

Front. Neuroanat.

144

113

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“…In rodents, in which most studies have been carried out, the active chemosensory cues from sexual partners are mainly detected and processed by the accessory olfactory system. Chemosensory cues from the male are detected by receptors in the vomeronasal organ and transmitted to the hypothalamus via the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), with only one relay in the medial nucleus of the amygdala (Buck, 2000 ; Swann et al, 2009 ). Removal of the vomeronasal organs or lesioning of the accessory olfactory bulbs results in the disappearance of the effect of the partner (Beltramino and Taleisnik, 1983 ).…”

Section: Neural Circuitry Involved In the Ram Effectmentioning

confidence: 99%

The â€œram effectâ€: new insights into neural modulation of the gonadotropic axis by male odors and socio-sexual interactions

2015

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Reproduction in mammals is controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis under the influence of external and internal factors such as photoperiod, stress, nutrition, and social interactions. Sheep are seasonal breeders and stop mating when day length is increasing (anestrus). However, interactions with a sexually active ram during this period can override the steroid negative feedback responsible for the anoestrus state, stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and eventually reinstate cyclicity. This is known as the “ram effect” and research into the mechanisms underlying it is shedding new light on HPG axis regulation. The first step in the ram effect is increased LH pulsatile secretion in anestrus ewes exposed to a sexually active male or only to its fleece, the latter finding indicating a “pheromone-like” effect. Estradiol secretion increases in all ewes and this eventually induces a LH surge and ovulation, just as during the breeding season. An exception is a minority of ewes that exhibit a precocious LH surge (within 4 h) with no prior increase in estradiol. The main olfactory system and the cortical nucleus of the amygdala are critical brain structures in mediating the ram effect since it is blocked by their inactivation. Sexual experience is also important since activation (increased c-fos expression) in these and other regions is greatly reduced in sexually naïve ewes. In adult ewes kisspeptin neurons in both arcuate and preoptic regions and some preoptic GnRH neurons are activated 2 h after exposure to a ram. Exposure to rams also activates noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and A1 nucleus and increased noradrenalin release occurs in the posterior preoptic area. Pharmacological modulation of this system modifies LH secretion in response to the male or his odor. Together these results show that the ram effect can be a fruitful model to promote both a better understanding of the neural and hormonal regulation of the HPG axis in general and also the specific mechanisms by which male cues can overcome negative steroid feedback and trigger LH release and ovulatory cycles.

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“…The discovery of the critical role of the basolateral and central amygdaloid nuclei in fear learning has led to an extensive research focused on these areas (Janak & Tye, 2015), while the chemosensory structures of the amygdala have received much less attention. However, the chemosensory areas of the amygdaloid complex are important for controlling social, sexual, and maternal behaviors in rodents (Swann, Fabre-Nys, & Barton, 2010). These areas may also play a relevant role in emotional learning, as shown in the case of olfactory fear conditioning, in which a previously neutral odor becomes aversive by its association to a footshock (Cousens & Otto, 1998;Sevelinges, Gervais, Messaoudi, Granjon, & Mouly, 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Afferent and efferent projections of the anterior cortical amygdaloid nucleus in the mouse

Cádiz-Moretti

Abellán-Álvaro

Pardo-Bellver

et al. 2017

J of Comparative Neurology

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The anterior cortical amygdaloid nucleus (ACo) is a chemosensory area of the cortical amygdala that receives afferent projections from both the main and accessory olfactory bulbs. The role of this structure is unknown, partially due to a lack of knowledge of its connectivity. In this work, we describe the pattern of afferent and efferent projections of the ACo by using fluorogold and biotinylated dextranamines as retrograde and anterograde tracers, respectively. The results show that the ACo is reciprocally connected with the olfactory system and basal forebrain, as well as with the chemosensory and basomedial amygdala. In addition, it receives dense projections from the midline and posterior intralaminar thalamus, and moderate projections from the posterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, mesocortical structures and the hippocampal formation. Remarkably, the ACo projects moderately to the central nuclei of the amygdala and anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, and densely to the lateral hypothalamus. Finally, minor connections are present with some midbrain and brainstem structures. The afferent projections of the ACo indicate that this nucleus might play a role in emotional learning involving chemosensory stimuli, such as olfactory fear conditioning. The efferent projections confirm this view and, given its direct output to the medial part of the central amygdala and the hypothalamic 'aggression area', suggest that the ACo can initiate defensive and aggressive responses elicited by olfactory or, to a lesser extent, vomeronasal stimuli.

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Hormonal and Pheromonal Modulation of the Extended Amygdala: Implications for Social Behavior

Cited by 7 publications

References 298 publications

Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

The â€œram effectâ€: new insights into neural modulation of the gonadotropic axis by male odors and socio-sexual interactions

Afferent and efferent projections of the anterior cortical amygdaloid nucleus in the mouse

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Hormonal and Pheromonal Modulation of the Extended Amygdala: Implications for Social Behavior

Cited by 7 publications

References 298 publications

Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

Differential efferent projections of the anterior, posteroventral, and posterodorsal subdivisions of the medial amygdala in mice

The â€œram effectâ€: new insights into neural modulation of the gonadotropic axis by male odors and socio-sexual interactions

Afferent and efferent projections of the anterior cortical amygdaloid nucleus in the mouse

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The â€œram effectâ€: new insights into neural modulation of the gonadotropic axis by male odors and socio-sexual interactions