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Hormonal influences on sexual partner preference in rams
Charles E Roselli1, John A Resko, Fred Stormshak
1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health Sciences University, 3181 S.W. Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, Oregon 97201, USA. rosellic@ohsu.edu
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|March 26, 2002
Summary
Approximately 6-10% of domestic rams are male-oriented, showing distinct hormonal and stress responses compared to female-oriented rams. This natural variation offers a unique model for studying the neurobiology of sexual partner preference in males.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Animal Behavior
- Sexual Neuroscience
Background:
- Domestic rams exhibit natural variation in sexual partner preference, with 6-10% being male-oriented.
- Male-oriented rams show distinct differences in hormone profiles and stress responses compared to female-oriented rams.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the neurobiological underpinnings of sexual partner preference in rams.
- To explore hormonal and neural differences between male-oriented and female-oriented rams.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of hormone profiles, including testosterone levels post-anesthetization.
- Measurement of aromatase activity in the medial preoptic area.
- Assessment of estrogen receptor levels in the amygdala.
Main Results:
- Male-oriented rams displayed reduced circulating testosterone levels after anesthesia.
- Lower aromatase activity was observed in the medial preoptic area of male-oriented rams.
- Reduced estrogen receptor expression was found in the amygdala of male-oriented rams.
Conclusions:
- Hormonal and neural differences, including testosterone, aromatase, and estrogen receptors, are linked to sexual partner preference in rams.
- The male-oriented ram serves as a valuable model for studying the neural substrates of sexual preference.
- Further research is warranted to understand the activational and organizational components influencing sexual behavior in rams.