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The control of sexual differentiation of the reproductive system and brain.
- Source :
-
Reproduction (Cambridge, England) [Reproduction] 2007 Feb; Vol. 133 (2), pp. 331-59. - Publication Year :
- 2007
-
Abstract
- This review summarizes current knowledge of the genetic and hormonal control of sexual differentiation of the reproductive system, brain and brain function. While the chromosomal regulation of sexual differentiation has been understood for over 60 years, the genes involved and their actions on the reproductive system and brain are still under investigation. In 1990, the predicted testicular determining factor was shown to be the SRY gene. However, this discovery has not been followed up by elucidation of the actions of SRY, which may either stimulate a cascade of downstream genes, or inhibit a suppressor gene. The number of other genes known to be involved in sexual differentiation is increasing and the way in which they may interact is discussed. The hormonal control of sexual differentiation is well-established in rodents, in which prenatal androgens masculinize the reproductive tract and perinatal oestradiol (derived from testosterone) masculinizes the brain. In humans, genetic mutations have revealed that it is probably prenatal testosterone that masculinizes both the reproductive system and the brain. Sexual differentiation of brain structures and the way in which steroids induce this differentiation, is an active research area. The multiplicity of steroid actions, which may be specific to individual cell types, demonstrates how a single hormonal regulator, e.g. oestradiol, can exert different and even opposite actions at different sites. This complexity is enhanced by the involvement of neurotransmitters as mediators of steroid hormone actions. In view of current environmental concerns, a brief summary of the effects of endocrine disruptors on sexual differentiation is presented.
- Subjects :
- Animals
Brain physiology
Disorders of Sex Development embryology
Endocrine Disruptors adverse effects
Environmental Pollutants adverse effects
Female
Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
Genes, sry
Humans
Male
Urogenital System physiology
Brain embryology
Gonadal Steroid Hormones physiology
Sex Differentiation physiology
Urogenital System embryology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1470-1626
- Volume :
- 133
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Reproduction (Cambridge, England)
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 17307903
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1530/REP-06-0078