STEROID MODULATION OF NEUROTRANSMITTER FUNCTION TO ALTER FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE-BEHAVIOR

The hormonal induction of reproductive behavior in rodents is well est ablished, but many of the mechanisms mediating this induction remain u nknown. The ability of the gonadal steroids, estrogen nd progesterone, to act simultaneously upon several neurotransmitter systems and at mu ltiple loci in a coherent manner helps to coordinate the timing of beh avioral receptivity with ovulation and assures maximal reproductive su ccess. Investigations revealing the multitude of steroid actions on ne urotransmitters illustrate the neuronal plasticity present in the adul t brain. Furthering our understanding of the mechanisms by which stero ids alter brain functioning to change behavior profoundly, but transie ntly, serves to provide information not only in the field of reproduct ive biology but that of basic neuroscience as well. (C) 1996, Elsevier Science Inc.