Dr. Mobbs proposes to examine the biochemical mechanisms mediating the effects of estrogen on lordosis behavior. These effects of estrogen entail synthesis of polypepties in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMN) ; the peptides are transported to, and released in the midbrain central gray (MGC). Estrogen induces a specific protein that is transported from the VMN to the MCG. The physical properties of this protein suggest that the protein is a member of the synaptic vesicle-uncoating stress protein family. Using Western blots and immunocytochemistry with appropriate antibodies, Dr. Mobbs will examine if the mRNA's of this protein family are induced by estrogen. Using in vivo labelling followed by HPLC, Dr. Mobbs will examine if estradiol induces the synthesis and transport of peptides implicated in the control of lordosis; he will examine if the inhibition of lordosis caused by antibodies to various peptides can be reversed by stimulators of adenylate cyclase and/or protein kinase C. These studies should suggest which peptides are acting through which second messenger systems. The studies may form the foundation for a biochemical explanation of a specific mammalian sexual behavior. Certain principles developed here, for example the role of synaptic vesicle-uncoating protein, may be applicable to control of neuronal connectivity in other systems.
