Effects of the testicular feminization mutation (tfm) of the androgen receptor gene on BSTMPM volume and morphology in rats.
The posteromedial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BSTMPM) is an important component of the extended amygdala that is sexually dimorphic in rats. We examined the effect of the testicular feminization mutation (tfm), which renders the androgen receptor (AR) dysfunctional, on BSTMPM volume and average somal area. As expected, we found a significant sex difference in the volume of the BSTMPM, with females having a smaller BSTMPM than wild type males. Size of the BSTMPM in tfm males was also significantly smaller than that of wildtype males, although this difference was significant only on the left side. We found no sex difference in BSTMPM somal areas. These findings support the role of androgen receptors in the sexual differentiation of this nucleus.
Durazzo
Alfredo
A
Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 108 Giltner Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. durazzoa@msu.edu
Morris
John A
JA
Breedlove
S Marc
SM
Jordan
Cynthia L
CL
D013734:Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D001284:Atrophy / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D048429:Cell Size; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D009421:Nervous System Malformations / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D011922:Rats, Mutant Strains; D011944:Receptors, Androgen / Q000235:genetics*; D012686:Septal Nuclei / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D012733:Sex Differentiation / Q000235:genetics
D000728:Androgens; D011944:Receptors, Androgen