The objective of this project is to understand the interactions between gonadal steroids and monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissue. Relatively simple and stereotyped behavioral patterns (e.g. lordosis in guinea pigs) that are known to be affected in predictable ways by the steroids estradiol and progesterone and by noradrenergic and serotonergic transmission, are used as indicators of steroid-transmitter interactions in particular brain regions. To pursue this objective the following specific aims are proposed: 1) Establish that norepinephrine facilitates steroid-dependen lordosis by acting on Alpha1-adrenoceptors. Attempt to show that noradrenergic action on Alpha1-adrenoceptors influences lordosis in mature females by regulating the concentration of estrogen and/or progestin receptors in particular brain regions or discrete nuclei. The important implication of this work is that certain types of neutral activity selectively and acutely alter brain sensitivity to steroids. 2) Describe the ontogeny of noradrenergic transmission through Alpha-receptors (a system that facilitates steroid-dependent lordosis). Attempt to understand mechanisms of regulation of Alpha-adrenoceptors by studying a nueroblastoma cell line. 3) Trace the ontogeny of serotonin transmission (which inhibits steroid-dependent lordosis behavior). These analyses should give the most complete picture available of how steroids form behaviorally relevant interactive relationships with a monoamine transmitter that facilitates lordosis (norepinephrine) and a monoamine transmitter that inhibits lordosis (serotonin) in mature females. The unraveling of these processes may provide insights into the biological roots of steroid-sensitive complex behaviors and mood states in humans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD004467-16
Application #
3310296
Study Section
Biopsychology Study Section (BPO)
Project Start
1977-05-01
Project End
1989-04-30
Budget Start
1987-05-01
Budget End
1988-04-30
Support Year
16
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Rutgers University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
130029205
City
Newark
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
07102
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