Broadly stated, the objectives of the research presented here are to elucidate neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying reproductive behavior and to analyze the communicative role of ultrasonic vocalizations in the social integration of reproduction. Research proposed on neuroendocrine factors will be concerned primarily with sites and mechanisms of steroid hormone action in the regulation of sexual behavior. To accomplish this goal hormonal and other agents will be implanted directly at the sites of populations of target cells in the central nervous system in male anf female rats. Research on ultrasonic vocalizations will be focused on the nature of the message conveyed by 50 kHz vocalizations of males and females and by the 22 kHz postejaculatory vocalization of the male. Techniques including surgical devocalization and playback of recorded vocalizations will provide experimental control over these signals. Research proposed here should extend our understanding of funamental neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying reproductive processes in mammals in general (including humans). In addition, expansion of our understanding of the dynamics of social communication in reproductive activity of rats will make this species an even more valuable model system for the study of reproductive processes in general.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD004484-14
Application #
3310303
Study Section
Biopsychology Study Section (BPO)
Project Start
1977-12-01
Project End
1987-01-31
Budget Start
1985-02-01
Budget End
1986-01-31
Support Year
14
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Rutgers University
Department
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
038633251
City
New Brunswick
State
NJ
Country
United States
Zip Code
Matochik, J A; Barfield, R J (1994) Dissociation of androgen-dependent sociosexual behaviors in response to castration in Long-Evans rats. Physiol Behav 55:533-6
Matochik, J A; Sipos, M L; Nyby, J G et al. (1994) Intracranial androgenic activation of male-typical behaviors in house mice: motivation versus performance. Behav Brain Res 60:141-9
Pleim, E T; Lipetz, J; Steele, T L et al. (1993) Facilitation of sexual receptivity by ventromedial hypothalamic implants of the antiprogestin RU 486. Horm Behav 27:488-98
Matochik, J A; White, N R; Barfield, R J (1992) Variations in scent marking and ultrasonic vocalizations by Long-Evans rats across the estrous cycle. Physiol Behav 51:783-6
Weinstein, M A; Pleim, E T; Barfield, R J (1992) Effects of neonatal exposure to the antiprogestin mifepristone, RU 486, on the sexual development of the rat. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 41:69-74
Matochik, J A; Barfield, R J; Nyby, J (1992) Regulation of sociosexual communication in female Long-Evans rats by ovarian hormones. Horm Behav 26:545-55
Nyby, J; Matochik, J A; Barfield, R J (1992) Intracranial androgenic and estrogenic stimulation of male-typical behaviors in house mice (Mus domesticus). Horm Behav 26:24-45
Pleim, E T; Baumann, J; Barfield, R J (1991) A contributory role for midbrain progesterone in the facilitation of female sexual behavior in rats. Horm Behav 25:19-28
Matochik, J A; Barfield, R J (1991) Hormonal control of precopulatory sebaceous scent marking and ultrasonic mating vocalizations in male rats. Horm Behav 25:445-60
Pleim, E T; Matochik, J A; Barfield, R J et al. (1990) Correlation of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens with masculine sexual behavior in rats. Brain Res 524:160-3

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