The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME suppresses androgen-induced male-like pseudocopulatory behavior in whiptail lizards.
The synthesis of nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) is involved in the androgen-dependent gating of male-typical copulatory behavior, both centrally, particularly in the preoptic area, and peripherally, notably through its role in penile erection. In the all-female whiptail lizard species Cnemidophorus uniparens, individuals display copulatory behaviors indistinguishable from males of similar species if gonadectomized and treated with testosterone. In this experiment, androgenized individuals were treated with a NOS inhibitor, which eliminated male-like behavior in half the individuals, suggesting that the central role of nitric oxide synthesis is conserved in this species. The deficit was principally in mounting, suggesting that sexual motivational systems were affected, rather than consummatory mechanisms.
Sanderson
Nicholas S R
NS
Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, 78712, USA.
Weissler
Erik
E
Crews
David
D
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000728:Androgens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D008116:Lizards; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000379:methods; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000187:drug effects; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000728:Androgens; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D013739:Testosterone; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D019331:NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester