Open AccessProgestin Concentrations Are Increased following Paced Mating in Midbrain, Hippocampus, Diencephalon, and Cortex of Rats in Behavioral Estrus, but Only in Midbrain of Diestrous Rats
Author(s) -
Cheryl A. Frye,
Madeline E. Rhodes
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
neuroendocrinology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.493
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1423-0194
pISSN - 0028-3835
DOI - 10.1159/000096051
Subject(s) - midbrain , diencephalon , estrous cycle , endocrinology , medicine , hippocampus , mating , neuroscience , hypothalamus , central nervous system , biology , ecology
The progesterone (P(4)) metabolite, 5alpha-pregnan-3alpha-ol-20-one (3alpha,5alpha-THP), acts in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate the intensity and duration of lordosis. 3alpha,5alpha-THP can also have anti-anxiety and anti-stress effects in part through actions in the hippocampus. Separate reports indicate that manipulating 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels in the VTA or hippocampus respectively can influence lordosis and affective behavior. 3alpha,5alpha-THP levels can also be altered by behavioral experiences, such as mating or swim stress. Whether endogenous levels of 3alpha,5alpha-THP modulate and/or are increased in response to affective and/or reproductively-relevant behaviors was investigated.