TESTOSTERONE REGULATES GALANIN GENE-EXPRESSION IN THE BED NUCLEUS OF THE STRIA TERMINALIS

The regulation of galanin (GAL) gene expression in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) by testosterone (T) was investigated using in situ hybridization histochemistry. Castration of adult male rats s ignificantly reduced both the number of cells which expressed GAL mRNA and the average number of grains per cell. These effects were reverse d by testosterone treatment. Testosterone stimulates GAL gene expressi on in the same neurons that have previously been shown to exhibit ster oid regulation of vasopressin gene expression.