Steroid-induced plasticity in the sexually dimorphic vasotocinergic innervation of the avian brain: behavioral implications

Panzica, G. C.; Aste, N.; Castagna, Claudia; Viglietti‐Panzica, C.; Balthazart, Jacques

doi:10.1016/s0165-0173(01)00118-7

Cited by 97 publications

(98 citation statements)

References 114 publications

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“…The antisense ODN treatment decreased the volume of this nucleus and the density of immunoreactivity of aromatase and vasotocin by ϳ30% (Figs. 1, 4), a decrease that has approximately the same magnitude as the differences observed between intact males and females (Viglietti-Panzica et al, 1986;Balthazart et al, 1996a;Panzica et al, 2001). Sex differences in these neural attributes are also dependent on a synergy between androgenic and estrogenic metabolites of testosterone .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

“…Sections were then stained either for Nissl bodies or for aromatase or vasotocin by immunohistochemistry (for procedures, see Foidart et al, 1995;Absil et al, 2002a, respectively). The vasotocin and aromatase immunoreactivity in the POM, as well as the volume of this nucleus as defined by Nissl staining, have been shown to depend on the synergistic action of androgens and estrogens and to be causally related to the expression of male sexual behavior (Panzica et al, 1987;Aste et al, 1998;Panzica et al, 2001;Viglietti-Panzica et al, 2001). These proteins are therefore excellent markers to study the potential modulation of steroid activity in this brain region.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Inhibition of Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Blocks Estrogen and Androgen Action on Male Sex Behavior and Associated Brain Plasticity

Charlier¹,

Ball²,

Balthazart³

2005

J. Neurosci.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inhibition of Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Blocks Estrogen and Androgen Action on Male Sex Behavior and Associated Brain Plasticity

Charlier¹,

Ball²,

Balthazart³

2005

J. Neurosci.

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“…Earlier studies in the Japanese quail have demonstrated impaired male copulatory behavior and provide a reliable and sensitive indicator of embryonic gonadal hormone exposure (Adkins, 1979). In addition to the timing and progression in sexual maturation, the existence of several reports on sexual differentiation of brain circuits and behavior in Japanese quail (Panzica et al, 2001;Balthazart and Adkins-Regan, 2002) makes this species a suitable model for the evaluation of the effects of EDCs on overt reproductive impairments (Panzica et al, 2005). To our knowledge, little information is available on the underlying molecular mechanisms of interference of PEs with the transcription of key enzymes involved in both cholesterol transport and testosterone biosynthesis in the avian wildlife species.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects on steroidogenesis and histopathology of adult male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) testis following pre-pubertal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP)

Bello

Madekurozwa

Groenewald

et al. 2014

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C: Toxicology &

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Keywords:Di-(n-butyl) phthalate Leydig cell Steroidogenesis Male Japanese quails Endocrine disruptionIn the present study, we have investigated the effects of 30-day dietary (pre-pubertal) exposure to different doses (0 (control), 1, 10, 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight/day) of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on Leydig cells of adult male Japanese quails by quantifying the transcript levels for P450 side-chain cleavage (p450scc), P450c17 (CYP17), and 3β-and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd) using quantitative (real-time) poly-merase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the plasma testosterone levels were analysed using radioimmuno-assay (RIA) and testis was examined for evidence of gross pathology and histopathology. Our data showed that pre-pubertal exposure to DBP produced alterations in testicular architecture as evident by poorly developed or misshaped testis, and altered spermatogenesis due to tubular degeneration and atrophy of seminiferous tubules especially in the high DBP dose (200 and 400 mg/ kg) treated groups. In addition, DBP altered several key en-zymes involved in testicular steroidogenesis pathways in an apparent dose-dependent manner. For example, bi-phasic effects of DBP were observed for P450scc and 3β-hsd mRNA, that were generally increasing at low dose 10 mg/kg, and thereafter, an apparent dose-dependent decrease between 50 and 400 mg/kg. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein was at the lowest detectable limits and therefore not quantifiable. These effects did not parallel the non-significant changes observed for plasma testosterone levels. The present data is consis-tent with previous reports showing that DBP modulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in several species, with a po-tential negative effect on reproduction in those avian species that are vulnerable to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

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“…We have recently examined quantitatively the distribution of VT-ir fibers in the entire Japanese quail brain (14). The sex dimorphism in the distribution of parvocellular VT-ir perikarya appears to be restricted to the cell group extending throughout the BSTm and POM.…”

Section: Sex Dimorphism Of the Vasotocin System In The Avian Brainmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their distribution has been studied in detail by immunocytochemistry in the brain of several avian species such as the canary (Serinus canaria) (5,13), the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) (7), the Junco (Junco hyemalis) (8), and the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) (14)]. VT-ir fiber endings were observed in the telencephalon (lateral septum, BSTm), in the preoptic region [nucleus preopticus medialis (POM)], in broad areas of the diencephalon, in the mesencephalon [optic tectum, nucleus intercollicularis (ICo), substantia grisea centralis (GCt), area ventralis of Tsai, and substantia nigra], in the pons [raphe nuclei, locus coeruleus (LoC), and tegmentum], and in the medulla (nucleus of the solitary tract).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

The parvocellular vasotocin system of Japanese quail: a developmental and adult model for the study of influences of gonadal hormones on sexually differentiated and behaviorally relevant neural circuits.

Panzica

Balthazart

Pessatti³

et al. 2002

Environ Health Perspect

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Vasotocin (VT; the antidiuretic hormone of birds) is synthesized by diencephalic magnocellular neurons projecting to the neurohypophysis. A sexually dimorphic system of VT-immunoreactive (ir) parvocellular elements has been described within the male medial preoptic nucleus (POM) and the nucleus of the stria terminalis, pars medialis (BSTm). VT-ir fibers are present in many diencephalic and extradiencephalic locations, and quantitative morphometric analyses demonstrated their sexually dimorphic distribution in regions involved in the control of different aspects of reproduction. Moreover, systemic or intracerebroventricular injections of VT markedly inhibit the expression of some aspects of male sexual behavior. In adult animals, circulating levels of testosterone (T) have a profound influence on the VT immunoreactivity within BSTm, POM, and lateral septum. Castration markedly decreases the immunoreaction, whereas T-replacement therapy restores a situation similar to the intact birds. We observed no changes in gonadectomized females treated with T. These changes parallel similar changes in male copulatory behavior (not present in castrated male quail, fully expressed in castrated, T-treated males). The restoration by T of the VT immunoreactivity in castrated male quail could be fully mimicked by a treatment with estradiol (E(2)), suggesting that the aromatization of T into E(2) may play a key limiting role in both the activation of male sexual behavior and the induction of VT synthesis. This dimorphism has an organizational nature: administration of E(2) to quail embryos (a treatment that abolishes male sexual behavior) results in a dramatic decrease of the VT immunoreactivity in sexually dimorphic regions. Conversely, the inhibition of E(2) synthesis during embryonic life (a treatment that stimulates the expression of male copulatory behavior in treated females exposed in adulthood to T) results in a malelike distribution of VT immunoreactivity. The VT parvocellular system of the Japanese quail can therefore be considered an accurate marker of the sexual differentiation of brain circuits mediating copulatory behavior and could be a very sensitive indicator of the activity of estrogenlike substances on neural circuits.

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Steroid-induced plasticity in the sexually dimorphic vasotocinergic innervation of the avian brain: behavioral implications

Cited by 97 publications

References 114 publications

Inhibition of Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Blocks Estrogen and Androgen Action on Male Sex Behavior and Associated Brain Plasticity

Inhibition of Steroid Receptor Coactivator-1 Blocks Estrogen and Androgen Action on Male Sex Behavior and Associated Brain Plasticity

The effects on steroidogenesis and histopathology of adult male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) testis following pre-pubertal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP)

The parvocellular vasotocin system of Japanese quail: a developmental and adult model for the study of influences of gonadal hormones on sexually differentiated and behaviorally relevant neural circuits.

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