The gonadal steroids, testosterone and estradiol, are known to be important
modulators of neuronal functions and behaviors in most vertebrate species. These
steroid hormones also elicit changes in neuropeptide synthesis and secretion, alter
specific neurohormone receptor levels, and alter neuronal morphology and
electrophysiology. Many of the actions of androgens and estrogen are mediated by
specific intracellular receptors found in certain regions of the brain. But where are
these neuronal targets for androgens and estrogen found?
The research in this thesis investigates the neuroanatomical distribution of
androgen and estrogen receptors in the brain of a urodele amphibian, the roughskin
newt, Taricha granulosa. Using immunocytochemistry with antibodies against these
receptors, the distribution of both androgen and estrogen receptor-immunoreactive
cells is described in the brain of this species. This study found brain regions that
contain immunoreactive androgen receptors that have not previously been reported in
poikilothermic vertebrates using other techniques.
In addition, the distribution of estrogen receptor-immunoreactive cells in
most brain areas, and the distribution of androgen receptor-immunoreactive cells in
several brain areas, were found to be similar in this amphibian to those described in
studies that employed in vivo autoradiographic techniques in other vertebrate species.
This study suggests that the neuroanatomical distribution of gonadal steroid receptors
is a relatively conserved trait in vertebrates. The widespread distribution of these
receptors in the brain probably reflects the multiple functions that androgens and
estrogen are known to have in the brain. / Graduation date: 1995
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/35266 |
| Date | 07 December 1994 |
| Creators | Davis, Glen Andrew |
| Contributors | Moore, Frank L. |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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