Androgen action in the brain and spinal cord for the regulation of male sexual behaviors

Curr Opin Pharmacol. 2008 Dec;8(6):747-51. doi: 10.1016/j.coph.2008.08.010. Epub 2008 Oct 1.

Abstract

Circulating levels of androgens determine the sexual differentiation of the brain and spinal cord at a critical period. Although estradiol, which is converted from testosterone by aromatase action, can explain the cytological basis for the sexual dimorphism, androgen has its own regulatory mechanism to promote male-specific behavior through receptors. The central nervous system (CNS) employs a sex-specific neuronal network involving peptides and steroids for the expression of the sexual phenotype. Elucidation of the molecular mechanism along with the neuroanatomical background should guide the development of novel pharmacotherapeutics for sexual behavior dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Androgens / metabolism
  • Androgens / pharmacology
  • Androgens / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Brain / embryology
  • Brain / growth & development
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Sex Differentiation / drug effects
  • Sex Differentiation / physiology
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / drug effects
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology*
  • Spinal Cord / embryology
  • Spinal Cord / growth & development

Substances

  • Androgens