Biopsychology of Female Sexual Behavior

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Hormonal mechanisms that control the expression of reproductive behavior are complex. In the female, estradiol and progesterone are the predominant gonadal steriods which stimulate behavior. Some species, such as the musk shrew, also require adrenal hormone to activate behavior. The mechanisms involved for these behavioral responses are unclear. Moreover, the role of the adrenal hormones in the stimulation of reproductive behavior as opposed to aggressive behavior present a fascinating question. The present proposal contains carefully designed experiments in which the musk shrew's behavioral responses are described and then altered by pharmacological manipulations. Current methodologies will be used to monitor adrenal and gonadal hormones. An elegant technique will be used to sample the animal without disturbing the individual; thereby enabling a "true" measure of the interactions between behavioral and physiological responses. These investigations will significantly advance the field of the hormonal basis of behavior.