Hormonal control of behaviour: steroid action in the brain.
There have recently been significant advances in our understanding of the cellular action of steroids on brain mechanisms of behaviour. Brain cells contain steroid metabolizing enzymes whose activity is modified by environmental stimuli. Steroids have rapid effects on neurotransmitter receptors via cell membranes and modify the distribution of neuropeptide receptors in areas controlling behaviour. It has been known for some time that oestrogens have an effect on brain structure that can be related to behaviour in the sexually dimorphic avian song system. Recent work suggests that oestrogen may have a similar effect on the developing sexually dimorphic nuclei of the mammalian brain.
Hutchison
J B
JB
MRC Neuroendocrine Development and Behaviour Group, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics Research, Babraham, Cambridge, UK.
D000818:Animals; D001519:Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006728:Hormones / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013256:Steroids / Q000502:physiology*
D006728:Hormones; D013256:Steroids