Type of Document Master's Thesis Author Paisley, Jacquelyn Carrie Author's Email Address jcpaisley@comcast.net URN etd-11302007-154334 Title Differential Effects of Estrogen Receptor alpha Suppression by Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides in the Medial Preoptic Area and the Medial Amygdala on Male Rat Mating Behavior Degree Master of Science Department Biology Advisory Committee
Advisor Name Title Dr. Andrew N. Clancy Committee Chair Dr. Laura L. Carruth Committee Member Dr. Sarah L. Pallas Committee Member Keywords
- antisense oligodeoxynucleotides
- estrogen receptor
- medial preoptic area
- medial amygdala
- mating
- estrogen
Date of Defense 2007-11-29 Availability unrestricted Abstract Male rat copulation is mediated by estrogen-sensitive neurons in the medial preoptic area (MPO) and medial amygdala (MEA); however, the mechanisms through which estradiol (E2) acts are not fully understood. We hypothesized that E2 acts through estrogen receptor α (ERα) in the MPO and MEA to promote male mating behavior. Antisense oligodeoxyneucleotides (AS-ODN) complementary to ERα mRNA were bilaterally infused via minipumps into either brain area to block the synthesis of ERα, which we predicted would reduce mating. Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry revealed a knockdown of ERα in each brain region; however, compared to saline controls, males receiving AS-ODN to the MPO showed significant reductions in all components of mating, whereas males receiving AS-ODN to the MEA continued to mate normally. These results suggest that E2 acts differently in these brain regions to express sexual behavior and that ERα in the MPO, but not in the MEA, promotes mating.Files
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