Hormonal influences on sexual partner preference in rams.

TitleHormonal influences on sexual partner preference in rams.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2002
AuthorsRoselli, CE, Resko, JA, Stormshak, F
JournalArch Sex Behav
Volume31
Issue1
Pagination43-9
Date Published2002 Feb
ISSN0004-0002
KeywordsAnimals, Aromatase, Choice Behavior, Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System, Female, Male, Sexual Behavior, Animal, Sheep
Abstract

Domestic rams display a naturally occurring variation in sexual partner preference, such that 6-10% of range-bred populations prefer male sexual partners (male-oriented) in contrast to the majority of rams that prefer female sexual partners (female-oriented). Male-oriented rams exhibit hormone profiles and stress responses distinctly different from their heterosexual counterparts. These differences include reduced circulating levels of testosterone that arise after anesthetization. Lower levels of aromatase activity in the medial preoptic area and estrogen receptor in the amygdala were also measured in male-oriented versus female-oriented rams and may represent an important link to sexual behavior that should be investigated. It is anticipated that the male-oriented ram model will be useful for studies aimed at identifying both the activational and organizational components and the neuronal substrates of male sexual partner preferences.

Alternate JournalArch Sex Behav
PubMed ID11910791
Grant ListR01 RR14270 / RR / NCRR NIH HHS / United States