Neural circuits regulating sexual behaviors via the olfactory system in mice. (March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ishii, Kentaro K.; Touhara, Kazushige
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience research. Volume 140(2019)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2019-03
• Subjects: AHA anterior hypothalamus -- AOB accessory olfactory bulb -- AON anterior olfactory nucleus -- AVPV anteroventral periventricular nucleus -- BNST bed nucleus of the stria terminalis -- CoA cortical amygdala -- ECx entorhinal cortex -- MeA medial amygdala -- MOB main olfactory bulb -- MOE main olfactory epithelium -- MPOA medial preoptic area -- NAc nucleus accumbens -- OSN olfactory sensory neuron -- OT olfactory tubercle -- PAG periaqueductal gray -- PCx piriform cortex -- PMCo posteromedial cortical amygdala -- PMv ventral premammillary nucleus -- RP3V rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle -- VMH ventromedial hypothalamus -- VNO vomeronasal organ -- VSN vomeronasal sensory neuron -- VTA ventral tegmental area -- ESP exocrine gland-secreting peptide -- Esr1 estrogen receptor type 1 -- FPR formyl peptide receptor -- GnRH gonadotropin-releasing hormone -- LH luteinizing hormone -- MHC major histocompatibility complex -- MUP major urinary protein -- NOS1 nitric oxide synthase 1 -- OR olfactory receptor -- Pgr progesterone receptor -- TAAR trace amine-associated receptor -- VR vomeronasal receptor; Sexual behavior -- Social behavior -- Sexual dimorphism -- Pheromone -- Olfaction -- Vomeronasal; Neurosciences -- Research -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Research -- Japan -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Periodicals; Neurosciences -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Neurosciences -- Recherche -- Japon -- Périodiques; Neurosciences -- Research; Japan; Periodicals; 612.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2018.10.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0168-0102

Abstract

Highlights: The repertoire of identified sexual behavior-relevant olfactory cues is expanding. The amygdala plays a role in processing information of the olfactory cues. The dopaminergic system plays a role in regulating appetitive sexual behaviors. The hypothalamus plays a role in controlling consummatory sexual behaviors. Internal states modulate sensorimotor processing during sexual behavior. Abstract: Reproduction is essential for any animal species. Reproductive behaviors, or sexual behaviors, are largely shaped by external sensory cues exchanged during sexual interaction. In many animals, including rodents, olfactory cues play a critical role in regulating sexual behavior. What exactly these olfactory cues are and how they impact animal behavior have been a central question in the field. Over the past few decades, many studies have dedicated to identifying an active compound that elicits sexual behavior from crude olfactory components. The identified substance has served as a tool to dissect the sensory processing mechanisms in the olfactory systems. In addition, recent advances in genetic engineering, and optics and microscopic techniques have greatly expanded our knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying the control of sexual behavior in mice. This review summarizes our current knowledge about how sexual behaviors are controlled by olfactory cues.