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Updated: Aug 21, 2026
Assessment of Sexual Behavior of Male Mice
Published on: March 5, 2020
Of mice and missing data: what we know (and need to learn) about male sexual behavior
Melissa Burns-Cusato1, Elka M Scordalakes, Emilie F Rissman
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Jordan Hall, 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, P.O. Box 800733, University of Virginia Medical School, Charlottesville, VA 22909, USA. mc3fw@virginia.edu
Abstract:
With recent advances in molecular genetics, the popularity of mice as subjects for behavioral neuroscience is increasing at an exponential rate. Unfortunately, the existing body of knowledge on sexual behavior in male mice is not large and many basic gaps exist. The assumption that what is true of rats is also true of mice is a dangerous one that can misdirect and, in the worst case, impede progress. We summarize the current knowledge about the sexual behavior of male mice, with an emphasis on hormonal bases of these behaviors. Behavioral differences between strains, developmental actions of steroids, activational actions of steroids given peripherally and in the brain, and data generated in various receptor knockout and related mice are discussed. In addition, suggestions are made for the standardization of experimental protocols used in investigations of the sexual physiology and behavior of male mice in order to facilitate between-experiment and between-laboratory comparisons and to expedite the growth of knowledge in this area.
Insights
Male mouse sexual behavior research is growing, but knowledge gaps persist. This review synthesizes current understanding of male mouse sexual behavior, focusing on hormonal influences and suggesting protocol standardization.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral neuroscience
- Reproductive endocrinology
- Animal models in research
Background:
- Mice are increasingly used in behavioral neuroscience due to molecular genetics advances.
- Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding male mouse sexual behavior.
- Extrapolating findings from rats to mice can be misleading.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on male mouse sexual behavior.
- To highlight the hormonal bases of these behaviors.
- To propose standardization of experimental protocols.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on male mouse sexual behavior.
- Emphasis on studies investigating hormonal influences (steroids).
- Discussion of strain differences, developmental and activational steroid actions, and receptor knockout models.
Main Results:
- Current knowledge on male mouse sexual behavior is limited.
- Hormonal factors, including steroid actions and receptor interactions, play a crucial role.
- Significant behavioral variations exist across different mouse strains.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fill knowledge gaps in male mouse sexual behavior.
- Standardizing experimental protocols is essential for reliable comparisons and advancing the field.
- Understanding the hormonal basis is key to comprehending male mouse sexual behavior.
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