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Development and expression of hormonal systems regulating aggression
N G Simon1, S E McKenna, S F Lu
1Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015, USA.
Abstract:
There are multiple pathways involved in the regulation of male typical aggression by T, and the functional pathway is determined by genotype. Target-tissue sensitivity to the aggression-promoting properties of T and its estrogenic and androgenic metabolites is determined by a complex sequence of events in which steroid receptors play a critical role. To date, it appears that the relative density of AR may be an important factor in the biobehavioral effects of androgens. Regarding sensitivity to estrogens, characterization of ER-NM interactions, and understanding of the contribution of the two activating functions within ER, appears to be necessary to comprehensively describe the cellular basis for responsiveness to the aggression-promoting effect of this T metabolite. In broader terms, these observations indicate that understanding the relationship between T and the expression of aggression in humans will require models that incorporate cellular aspects of steroid hormone action, including metabolism, receptor function, and gene regulation.
Insights
Testosterone (T) influences male aggression through various pathways, with genetics dictating the specific route. Steroid receptors, like androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER), are crucial for how tissues respond to T and its metabolites.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Male-typical aggression is regulated by testosterone (T) through complex pathways influenced by an individual's genotype.
- Steroid receptors play a critical role in determining target tissue sensitivity to the aggression-promoting effects of T and its metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the cellular mechanisms underlying testosterone's regulation of male aggression.
- To highlight the importance of steroid receptor function, including androgen receptor (AR) and estrogen receptor (ER), in mediating T's effects.
Main Methods:
- The study focuses on the roles of androgen receptor (AR) density and estrogen receptor (ER) interactions.
- It emphasizes the need to understand the contribution of ER's activating functions in cellular responsiveness.
Main Results:
- Relative androgen receptor (AR) density appears to be a significant factor in the biobehavioral impact of androgens.
- Further characterization of estrogen receptor (ER) interactions and its activating functions is necessary to fully understand estrogenic metabolite effects on aggression.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the relationship between T and aggression requires integrating cellular mechanisms of steroid hormone action, including metabolism, receptor function, and gene regulation.
- Genotype-dependent pathways and the specific roles of AR and ER are critical for mediating testosterone's influence on male aggression.