Estradiol 17b (E) acts centrally to influence both reproduction and behaviors in mammals, and the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) is important in coordination of ovulation with mating behaviors. Two areas of the brain, medial preoptic area (MPOA) and medial basal hypothalamus (MBH), have important roles in this coordination. Dr. Caldwell has observed that E conjugated at position 6 to bovine serum albumen (E-6-BSA) stimulated OT release from anuclear homogenates of the MPOA and MBH. The present studies will examine whether E-6-BSA stimulates OT release by acting on a membrane/cytoplasmic E receptor or on a novel receptor for sex hormone binding globulin. Both undergraduate and graduate students will participate in the research.
| Witt, D M; Gao, G; Caldwell, J D (2003) Testosterone and sexual experience alter levels of plasma membrane binding sites for progesterone in the male rat brain. Horm Metab Res 35:69-75 |
| Gao, Guang; Herbert, Zsofia; Kong, Jing et al. (2003) Estradiol control of expression and levels of estradiol-binding proteins in the medial preoptic area, medial hypothalamus and pituitary. Neuroendocrinology 78:61-71 |
| Caldwell, Jack D; Hofle, Simone; Englof, Ila (2002) Sex hormone binding globulin facilitates female sexual receptivity except when coupled to dihydrotestosterone. Brain Res 948:102-7 |
| Caldwell, J D (2001) Evidence of sex hormone binding globulin binding sites in the medial preoptic area and hypothalamus. Horm Metab Res 33:7-9 |
| Caldwell, J D; Moe, B D; Hoang, J et al. (2000) Sex hormone binding globulin stimulates female sexual receptivity. Brain Res 874:24-9 |
