Non-ligand activation of estrous behavior in rodents: cross-talk at the progesterone receptor.
Estrous behavior in rodents is triggered by the binding of progesterone (P) to its intracellular receptor (PR). Non-steroidal agents (i.e., gonadotropin-releasing hormone, noradrenaline, dopamine and others), acting at the membrane, can facilitate estrous behavior in estrogen-primed rats. This action is mediated through the generation of second messengers (cyclic AMP, cyclic GMP, calcium) which, in turn, phosphorylate through diverse kinase systems (protein kinases A, G or C) either the PR or associated effector proteins linking the PR to the trans-activation machinery. P or its metabolites also activate cyclic AMP-signaling pathways by acting directly on the membrane or by modulating neurotransmitter release. Molecular processes resulting from second messenger signaling pathways and those from the progesterone-RP interaction synergize to elicit a full behavioral response.
Beyer
C
C
Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, Tlaxcala, Mexico.
González-Flores
O
O
García-Juárez
M
M
González-Mariscal
G
G
D000818:Animals; D030762:Estrous Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D051381:Rats; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D011980:Receptors, Progesterone