This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Auger, A. P. Articles by Blaustein, J. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Auger, A. P. Articles by Blaustein, J. D.

Progesterone-Independent Activation of Rat Brain Progestin Receptors by Reproductive Stimuli

Neuroscience and Behavior Program and Psychology Department, Tobin Hall, Box 37710, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Jeffrey D. Blaustein, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts, Department of Psychology, Tobin Hall, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003.

	Abstract

Top Abstract

 
Activation of steroid hormone receptors by steroid hormones alters both the physiology and behavior of animals. Steroid hormone receptors (e.g., progestin receptors) can also be activated in the absence of steroid hormones by pharmacological treatment with neurotransmitters or neuropeptides. However, it is not known if progesterone-independent activation of brain progestin receptors occurs under natural, physiological, conditions. We report that increases in reproductive behavior and brain immediate early gene expression in female rats induced by mating stimuli can be blocked by prior treatment with progesterone antagonists in the absence of circulating progesterone. This suggests that progestin receptors are activated in a progesterone-independent manner by a physiologically relevant stimulus in female rats, thus implicating a novel pathway by which mating stimuli and other environmental influences could activate steroid receptors to influence neuronal response and behavior.

Received October 3, 1996.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				S. Mani Progestin Receptor Subtypes in the Brain: The Known and the Unknown Endocrinology, June 1, 2008; 149(6): 2750 - 2756. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. J. Baum Possible Contribution of Neonatal Ligand-Independent Activation of Estradiol Receptors to Male-Typical Sexual Differentiation of Brain and Behavior Endocrinology, September 1, 2005; 146(9): 3702 - 3704. [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. M. Olesen, H. M. Jessen, C. J. Auger, and A. P. Auger Dopaminergic Activation of Estrogen Receptors in Neonatal Brain Alters Progestin Receptor Expression and Juvenile Social Play Behavior Endocrinology, September 1, 2005; 146(9): 3705 - 3712. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. D. Blaustein Minireview: Neuronal Steroid Hormone Receptors: They're Not Just for Hormones Anymore Endocrinology, March 1, 2004; 145(3): 1075 - 1081. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				J. S. Lonstein Individual Differences in Maternal Care Reveal the Neural Mechanisms of Nurturance Endocrinology, November 1, 2003; 144(11): 4718 - 4719. [Full Text] [PDF]

				P. E. Chappell, J. S. Schneider, P. Kim, M. Xu, J. P. Lydon, B. W. O’Malley, and J. E. Levine Absence of Gonadotropin Surges and Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Self-Priming in Ovariectomized (OVX), Estrogen (E2)-Treated, Progesterone Receptor Knockout (PRKO) Mice Endocrinology, August 1, 1999; 140(8): 3653 - 3658. [Abstract] [Full Text]

				J. M. Meredith, C. A. Moffatt, A. P. Auger, G. L. Snyder, P. Greengard, and J. D. Blaustein Mating-Related Stimulation Induces Phosphorylation of Dopamine- and Cyclic AMP-Regulated Phosphoprotein-32 in Progestin Receptor-Containing Areas in the Female Rat Brain J. Neurosci., December 1, 1998; 18(23): 10189 - 10195. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				S.-H. Yen and J.-T. Pan Progesterone Advances the Diurnal Rhythm of Tuberoinfundibular Dopaminergic Neuronal Activity and the Prolactin Surge in Ovariectomized, Estrogen-Primed Rats and in Intact Proestrous Rats Endocrinology, April 1, 1998; 139(4): 1602 - 1609. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

This Article Abstract Full Text (PDF) Purchase Article View Shopping Cart Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Request Copyright Permission Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Auger, A. P. Articles by Blaustein, J. D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Auger, A. P. Articles by Blaustein, J. D.