Oxytocin is indispensable for conspecific-odor preference and controls the initiation of female, but not male, sexual behavior in mice

Dhungel, Sunil; Rai, Dilip; Terada, Misao; Orikasa, Chitose; Nishimori, Katsuhiko; Sakuma, Yasuo; Kondo, Yasuhiko

doi:10.1016/j.neures.2018.11.008

Cited by 13 publications

(10 citation statements)

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“…Our study found that when the odors of castrated and gonadally intact males were simultaneously presented in the preference test, sexually active male rats preferred that of the castrated one [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. We considered it unlikely that the lack of testosterone (T) due to castration may newly produce an attractant for males, but that the lack of T disinhibits the negative feedback of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, resulting in increased circulating levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropins, and consequently, that those became male incentive odors.…”

Section: Sexual Stimuli Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This may be due to aversiveness of vaginal stimulation by males [ 1 , 2 ], but may be also affected by a female trait, the preference to stay with other females [ 91 ]. In mice, although estrous females prefer the volatile odors of sexually active males to those of females [ 53 ], virgin females show preference for female rather than male soiled bedding [ 92 ], having no aversive factor. Furthermore, the preference of female hamsters for male odors does not depend on sex hormones [ 93 ].…”

Section: Hormonal Control For Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Early studies showed that male rats without sexual experience show no preference for urine odors of estrous females [ 154 ], even though the pheromonal effect is an innate response [ 155 ]. In contrast, male mice [ 43 , 156 ] and male hamsters [ 157 , 158 ] show a preference for estrus female odor without sexual experience, although the gradual increase in time spent in olfactory investigation depends on sexual experience [ 53 ]. In hamsters, sexual experience affects the performance of sexual behavior after minor damage to the mPOA [ 159 ].…”

Section: Experience and Sexual Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regarding the effect of preference for opposite-sex odor, the results seem to differ depending on stimulus presentation. In a three-chamber apparatus with side chambers having wire-mesh caged stimulus males or estrous females, WT male mice spent time in the female chamber longer than in the male chamber, whereas males deficient for the OT gene showed neither preference regardless of direct contact with the stimuli [ 53 ]. In contrast, OT-KO female mice did show a normal preference for male bedding as WT females [ 53 ].…”

Section: Neuropeptidergic Regulation Of Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

“…In a three-chamber apparatus with side chambers having wire-mesh caged stimulus males or estrous females, WT male mice spent time in the female chamber longer than in the male chamber, whereas males deficient for the OT gene showed neither preference regardless of direct contact with the stimuli [ 53 ]. In contrast, OT-KO female mice did show a normal preference for male bedding as WT females [ 53 ]. However, another study reported that both male and female OT-KO mice exhibit a loss of preference for the odor of male and estrous female bodies [ 53 ].…”

Section: Neuropeptidergic Regulation Of Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

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Neural and Hormonal Basis of Opposite-Sex Preference by Chemosensory Signals

Kondo

Hayashi

2021

IJMS

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In mammalian reproduction, sexually active males seek female conspecifics, while estrous females try to approach males. This sex-specific response tendency is called sexual preference. In small rodents, sexual preference cues are mainly chemosensory signals, including pheromones. In this article, we review the physiological mechanisms involved in sexual preference for opposite-sex chemosensory signals in well-studied laboratory rodents, mice, rats, and hamsters of both sexes, especially an overview of peripheral sensory receptors, and hormonal and central regulation. In the hormonal regulation section, we discuss potential rodent brain bisexuality, as it includes neural substrates controlling both masculine and feminine sexual preferences, i.e., masculine preference for female odors and the opposite. In the central regulation section, we show the substantial circuit regulating sexual preference and also the influence of sexual experience that innate attractants activate in the brain reward system to establish the learned attractant. Finally, we review the regulation of sexual preference by neuropeptides, oxytocin, vasopressin, and kisspeptin. Through this review, we clarified the contradictions and deficiencies in our current knowledge on the neuroendocrine regulation of sexual preference and sought to present problems requiring further study.

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Section: Sexual Stimuli Attributesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Hormonal Control For Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Experience and Sexual Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Neuropeptidergic Regulation Of Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Neuropeptidergic Regulation Of Opposite-sex Preferencementioning

confidence: 99%

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Neural and Hormonal Basis of Opposite-Sex Preference by Chemosensory Signals

Kondo

Hayashi

2021

IJMS

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Astrocytic Modulation of Supraoptic Oxytocin Neuronal Activity in Rat Dams with Pup-Deprivation at Different Stages of Lactation

Jin

et al. 2020

Neurochem Res

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From Parental Behavior to Sexual Function: Recent Advances in Oxytocin Research

Dale II,

Harberson,

Hill

2024

Curr Sex Health Rep

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Purpose of Review Oxytocin plays many diverse roles in physiological and behavioral processes, including social activity, parental nurturing, stress responses, and sexual function. In this narrative review, we provide an update on the most noteworthy recent findings in this fascinating field. Recent Findings The development of techniques such as serial two-photon tomography and fiber photometry have provided a window into oxytocin neuroanatomy and real-time neuronal activity during social interactions. fMRI and complementary mapping techniques offer new insights into oxytocin's influence on brain activity and connectivity. Indeed, oxytocin has recently been found to influence the acquisition of maternal care behaviors and to mediate the influence of social touch on brain development and social interaction. Additionally, oxytocin plays a crucial role in male sexual function, affecting erectile activity and ejaculation, while its role in females remains controversial. Recent studies also highlight oxytocin's interaction with other neuropeptides, such as melanin-concentrating hormone, serotonin, and arginine vasopressin, influencing social and affective behaviors. Finally, an update is provided on the status of clinical trials involving oxytocin as a therapeutic intervention. Summary The exploration of oxytocin's complexities and its interplay with other neuropeptides holds promise for targeted treatment in various health and disease contexts. Overall, these findings contribute to the discovery of new and specific pathways to allow therapeutic targeting of oxytocin to treat disorders.

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Oxytocin is indispensable for conspecific-odor preference and controls the initiation of female, but not male, sexual behavior in mice

Cited by 13 publications

References 51 publications

Neural and Hormonal Basis of Opposite-Sex Preference by Chemosensory Signals

Neural and Hormonal Basis of Opposite-Sex Preference by Chemosensory Signals

Astrocytic Modulation of Supraoptic Oxytocin Neuronal Activity in Rat Dams with Pup-Deprivation at Different Stages of Lactation

From Parental Behavior to Sexual Function: Recent Advances in Oxytocin Research

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