Phospho-ERK and sex steroids in the mPOA: involvement in male mouse sexual behaviour

What is it about?

Male sexual behavior is prinicipally integrated and controlled in the hypothalamic preoptic area (mPOA). In this study we established that ERK phosphorylation is triggered by sex steroid hormones. This work exhibits for the fisrt time an index of sexual motivation, one of the key-component of sexual behavior, with the level of p-ERK in the mPOA. This work also provides a model which could be an interesting tool for the investigation of the effects of hormonomimetic molecules able to interfere with the control of sexual behaviour, such as endocrine disruptors.

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