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Author |
Neff, B.D.; Sherman, P.W. |
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Title |
Nestling recognition via direct cues by parental male bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus) |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year  |
2003 |
Publication |
Animal Cognition |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Cogn. |
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Volume |
6 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
87-92 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Animals, Wild; Male; Ovum; Parasites; Perception; *Perciformes; Pheromones; *Recognition (Psychology); Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Smell; Social Behavior |
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Abstract |
Parental care can be costly to a parent in terms of both time and energy invested in the young. In species with cuckoldry or brood parasitism not all of the young under a parent's care are necessarily offspring. In such cases, distinguishing between kin and non-kin, and investing only in the former (nepotism), can be advantageous. Bluegill sunfish ( Lepomis macrochirus) are characterized by paternal care and cuckoldry, and care-providing males appear to show nepotistic behaviours. Here, we investigated nestling recognition in bluegill, determining whether parental males can differentiate between young from their own nest (familiar and related) and young from non-neighbouring nests (unfamiliar and unrelated) using (1) visual and chemical cues, and (2) chemical cues only. In the first experiment, wild-caught parental males were presented with samples of eggs or fry (newly hatched eggs) collected from their own nest or a foreign nest and placed on opposite sides of an aquarium. The time these parental males spent associating with each sample, and their “pecking” behaviours (indicating cannibalism), were recorded. Parental males showed no preference between eggs from their own nest and eggs from a non-neighbouring nest, but they preferred to associate with fry from their own nest over foreign fry. There also was a positive relationship between male body size and the time spent associated with fry from their own nest. Parental males pecked at foreign fry more than 5 times as often as fry from their own nest, though this difference was not statistically significant. In the second experiment, fry that were collected from the nest of a wild-caught parental male or a non-neighbouring nest were placed in different containers and the water from each was dripped into opposite ends of an aquarium. The time the male spent on each side was recorded. In this case, parental males spent more time near the source of water conditioned by unrelated fry, but there was a positive relationship between male condition (fat reserves) and the time he spent near the source of water conditioned by fry from his own nest. Results confirm that chemicals cue nestling recognition by parental male bluegill. |
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Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B7, Canada. bneff@uwo.ca |
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1435-9448 |
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PMID:12687419 |
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no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
2577 |
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Author |
Ganswindt, A.; Palme, R.; Heistermann, M.; Borragan, S.; Hodges, J.K. |
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Title |
Non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and its relation to musth |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2003 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Gen Comp Endocrinol |
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Volume |
134 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
156-166 |
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Keywords |
Adrenal Cortex/*metabolism/secretion; Adrenal Cortex Function Tests/methods/*veterinary; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/physiology; Animals; Carbon Isotopes/diagnostic use; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/veterinary; Elephants/*metabolism/urine; Feces/*chemistry; Glucocorticoids/analysis/urine; Hydrocortisone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine; Immunoenzyme Techniques/methods/veterinary; Male; Reproduction/physiology; Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology; Stress, Psychological/diagnosis/*physiopathology; Testosterone/*analysis/diagnostic use/urine |
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Abstract |
Adult male elephants periodically show the phenomenon of musth, a condition associated with increased aggressiveness, restlessness, significant weight reduction and markedly elevated androgen levels. It has been suggested that musth-related behaviours are costly and that therefore musth may represent a form of physiological stress. In order to provide data on this largely unanswered question, the first aim of this study was to evaluate different assays for non-invasive assessment of adrenocortical function in the male African elephant by (i) characterizing the metabolism and excretion of [3H]cortisol (3H-C) and [14C]testosterone (14C-T) and (ii) using this information to evaluate the specificity of four antibodies for determination of excreted cortisol metabolites, particularly with respect to possible cross-reactions with androgen metabolites, and to assess their biological validity using an ACTH challenge test. Based on the methodology established, the second objective was to provide data on fecal cortisol metabolite concentrations in bulls during the musth and non-musth condition. 3H-C (1 mCi) and 14C-T (100 microCi) were injected simultaneously into a 16 year old male and all urine and feces collected for 30 and 86 h, respectively. The majority (82%) of cortisol metabolites was excreted into the urine, whereas testosterone metabolites were mainly (57%) excreted into the feces. Almost all radioactive metabolites recovered from urine were conjugated (86% 3H-C and 97% 14C-T). In contrast, 86% and >99% of the 3H-C and 14C-T metabolites recovered from feces consisted of unconjugated forms. HPLC separations indicated the presence of various metabolites of cortisol in both urine and feces, with cortisol being abundant in hydrolysed urine, but virtually absent in feces. Although all antibodies measured substantial amounts of immunoreactivity after HPLC separation of peak radioactive samples and detected an increase in glucocorticoid output following the ACTH challenge, only two (in feces against 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites, measured by an 11-oxo-etiocholanolone-EIA and in urine against cortisol, measured by a cortisol-EIA) did not show substantial cross-reactivity with excreted 14C-T metabolites and could provide an acceptable degree of specificity for reliable assessment of glucocorticoid output from urine and feces. Based on these findings, concentrations of immunoreactive 3alpha,11-oxo-cortisol metabolites were determined in weekly fecal samples collected from four adult bulls over periods of 11-20 months to examine whether musth is associated with increased adrenal activity. Results showed that in each male levels of these cortisol metabolites were not elevated during periods of musth, suggesting that in the African elephant musth is generally not associated with marked elevations in glucocorticoid output. Given the complex nature of musth and the variety of factors that are likely to influence its manifestation, it is clear, however, that further studies, particularly on free-ranging animals, are needed before a possible relationship between musth and adrenal function can be resolved. This study also clearly illustrates the potential problems associated with cross-reacting metabolites of gonadal steroids in EIAs measuring glucocorticoid metabolites. This has to be taken into account when selecting assays and interpreting results of glucocorticoid metabolite analysis, not only for studies in the elephant but also in other species. |
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Address |
German Primate Centre, Department of Reproductive Biology, Kellnerweg 4, 37077 Gottingen, Germany. ganswindt@www.dpz.gdwg.de |
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English |
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ISSN |
0016-6480 |
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Notes |
PMID:14511986 |
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no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4085 |
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Author |
Danchin, E.; Giraldeau, L.-A.; Valone, T.J.; Wagner, R.H. |
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Title |
Public information: from nosy neighbors to cultural evolution |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Science (New York, N.Y.) |
Abbreviated Journal |
Science |
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Volume |
305 |
Issue |
5683 |
Pages |
487-491 |
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Keywords |
Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Cues; *Cultural Evolution; *Decision Making; Environment; Evolution; Feeding Behavior; Female; Genes; Humans; Male; Reproduction; Sexual Behavior, Animal |
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Abstract |
Psychologists, economists, and advertising moguls have long known that human decision-making is strongly influenced by the behavior of others. A rapidly accumulating body of evidence suggests that the same is true in animals. Individuals can use information arising from cues inadvertently produced by the behavior of other individuals with similar requirements. Many of these cues provide public information about the quality of alternatives. The use of public information is taxonomically widespread and can enhance fitness. Public information can lead to cultural evolution, which we suggest may then affect biological evolution. |
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Address |
U.P.M.C. CNRS-UMR7625, Bat A-7e etage-Case 237, 7 quai Saint Bernard, 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France. edanchin@snv.jussieu.fr |
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English |
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Series Volume |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
1095-9203 |
ISBN |
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Notes |
PMID:15273386 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
2131 |
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Author |
Brennan, P.A. |
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Title |
The nose knows who's who: chemosensory individuality and mate recognition in mice |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm Behav |
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Volume |
46 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
231-240 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Chemoreceptors/physiology; Discrimination Learning/*physiology; Embryo Implantation/physiology; Female; Individuality; Major Histocompatibility Complex/physiology; Male; Mice; Neurons, Afferent/physiology; Nose/cytology/physiology; Perception/physiology; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Maintenance/physiology; Pregnancy, Animal/*physiology; Receptors, Odorant/*physiology; Recognition (Psychology)/*physiology; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Smell/*physiology; Urine/physiology; Vomeronasal Organ/cytology/physiology |
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Abstract |
Individual recognition is an important component of behaviors, such as mate choice and maternal bonding that are vital for reproductive success. This article highlights recent developments in our understanding of the chemosensory cues and the neural pathways involved in individuality discrimination in rodents. There appear to be several types of chemosensory signal of individuality that are influenced by the highly polymorphic families of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins or major urinary proteins (MUPs). Both have the capability of binding small molecules and may influence the individual profile of these chemosignals in biological fluids such as urine, skin secretions, or saliva. Moreover, these proteins, or peptides associated with them, can be taken up into the vomeronasal organ (VNO) where they can potentially interact directly with the vomeronasal receptors. This is particularly interesting given the expression of major histocompatibility complex Ib proteins by the V2R class of vomeronasal receptor and the highly selective responses of accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) mitral cells to strain identity. These findings are consistent with the role of the vomeronasal system in mediating individual discrimination that allows mate recognition in the context of the pregnancy block effect. This is hypothesized to involve a selective increase in the inhibitory control of mitral cells in the accessory olfactory bulb at the first level of processing of the vomeronasal stimulus. |
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Address |
Sub-Department of Animal Behaviour, University of Cambridge, Madingley, Cambridge CB3 8AA, UK. pab23@cus.cam.ac.uk |
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English |
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0018-506X |
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Notes |
PMID:15325224 |
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no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4191 |
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Author |
de Waal, F.B.M. |
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Title |
A century of getting to know the chimpanzee |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Nature |
Abbreviated Journal |
Nature |
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Volume |
437 |
Issue |
7055 |
Pages |
56-59 |
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Keywords |
Aggression; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Competitive Behavior; Cooperative Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Pan troglodytes/genetics/*physiology/psychology; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior |
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Abstract |
A century of research on chimpanzees, both in their natural habitat and in captivity, has brought these apes socially, emotionally and mentally much closer to us. Parallels and homologues between chimpanzee and human behaviour range from tool-technology and cultural learning to power politics and intercommunity warfare. Few behavioural domains have remained untouched by this increased knowledge, which has dramatically challenged the way we view ourselves. The sequencing of the chimpanzee genome will no doubt bring more surprises and insights. Humans do occupy a special place among the primates, but this place increasingly has to be defined against a backdrop of substantial similarity. |
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Address |
Living Links, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 North Gatewood Road, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. dewaal@emory.edu |
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English |
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ISSN |
1476-4687 |
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Notes |
PMID:16136128 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
162 |
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Author |
Uehara, T.; Yokomizo, H.; Iwasa, Y. |
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Title |
Mate-choice copying as Bayesian decision making |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2005 |
Publication |
The American naturalist |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am Nat |
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Volume |
165 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
403-410 |
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Keywords |
Animals; *Bayes Theorem; *Choice Behavior; Female; Male; *Models, Biological; *Sexual Behavior, Animal |
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Abstract |
Mate-choice copying by females has been reported in fishes (e.g., guppies) and lekking birds. Presumably, females assess males' quality using both information from direct observation of males and information acquired by observing other females' choices. Here, we study mathematically the conditions under which mate-choice copying is advantageous on the basis of Bayesian decision theory. A female may observe the mate choice of another female, called the model female, who has performed an optimal choice based on her own judgment. The conditions required for the focal female to choose the same mate as that chosen by the model female should depend on the male's appearance to her, the reliability of her own judgment of male quality, and the reliability of the model females. When three or more females are involved, the optimal mate choice critically depends on whether multiple model females make decisions independently or they themselves copy the choices of others. If two equally reliable females choose different males, the choice of the second female, made knowing the choice of the first, should have a stronger effect on the choice of the third (focal) female. This “last-choice precedence” should be tested experimentally. |
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Address |
Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8581, Japan. uehara@bio-math.biology.kyushu-u.ac.jp |
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English |
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ISSN |
1537-5323 |
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Notes |
PMID:15729669 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1821 |
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Author |
Zhao, C.J.; Qin, Y.H.; Lee, X.H.; Wu, C. |
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Title |
Molecular and cytogenetic paternity testing of a male offspring of a hinny |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zuchtungsbiologie |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Anim Breed Genet |
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Volume |
123 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
403-405 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Cytogenetic Analysis; DNA, Mitochondrial/genetics; Equidae/*genetics; Female; Horses/genetics; Hybridization, Genetic; Male; Microsatellite Repeats; Pedigree; Protamines/genetics; Sexual Behavior, Animal |
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Abstract |
An alleged male foal of a female mule, whose sire and grandparents were unknown, was identified for its pedigree. Parentage testing was conducted by comparing polymorphism of 12 microsatellite DNA sites and mitochondrial D-loop sequences of the male foal and the female mule. Both the sequence analysis of species-specific DNA fragments and a cytogenetic analysis were performed to identify the species of the foal and its parents. The results showed that the alleged female mule is actually a hinny, and the male foal, which possesses 62 chromosomes, qualifies as an offspring of the female hinny and a jack donkey. |
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Address |
Equine Center, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China |
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English |
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ISSN |
0931-2668 |
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Notes |
PMID:17177697 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1846 |
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Author |
Villani, M.; Cairoli, F.; Kindahl, H.; Galeati, G.; Faustini, M.; Carluccio, A.; Veronesi, M.C. |
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Title |
Effects of mating on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha in stallions |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Reproduction in Domestic Animals = Zuchthygiene |
Abbreviated Journal |
Reprod Domest Anim |
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Volume |
41 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
544-548 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Dinoprost/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Ejaculation/physiology; Estrone/*analogs & derivatives/blood; Horses/*blood/physiology; Hydrocortisone/*blood; Male; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Testosterone/*blood |
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Abstract |
Very little information is available regarding the physiological mechanisms involved in the normal sexual activity in the stallion and, in particular, the endocrine control of reproduction is still not clearly understood. This experiment was designed to determine the short-term effect of sexual stimulation on plasma concentrations of testosterone, cortisol, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) in stallions. Semen samples were collected from 10 lighthorse stallions of proven fertility using a Missouri model artificial vagina. At the same time, blood samples were collected from the jugular vein with heparinized tubes, 20 and 10 min before oestrous mare exposure, at exposure and 10, 20, 30 min after dismounting. Testosterone concentrations showed a sharp rise 10 min after mating (p < 0.001), reached a plateau, and then showed a further increase 30 min after mating (p < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased 10 min after mating (p < 0.001) and remained at high levels in the subsequent samples taken. A peak of oestrone sulphate was observed 10 min after mating (p < 0.001). 15-Ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations decreased rapidly at the moment of the exposure of the stallions to an oestrous mare (p < 0.05), returned to pre-mating concentrations and then decreased again 30 min after mating (p < 0.05). |
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Address |
Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie, Sez. Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica Veterinaria, Milan, Italy |
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English |
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ISSN |
0936-6768 |
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Notes |
PMID:17107515 |
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no |
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Call Number |
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Serial |
1855 |
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Author |
Baum, M.J. |
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Title |
Mammalian animal models of psychosexual differentiation: when is 'translation' to the human situation possible? |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm Behav |
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Volume |
50 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
579-588 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Estradiol/*physiology; Female; *Gender Identity; Humans; Hypothalamus/anatomy & histology/physiology; Male; Models, Animal; Sexual Behavior/physiology/psychology; Sexual Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Testosterone/*physiology |
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Abstract |
Clinical investigators have been forced primarily to use experiments of nature (e.g., cloacal exstrophy; androgen insensitivity, congenital adrenal hyperplasia) to assess the contribution of fetal sex hormone exposure to the development of male- and female-typical profiles of gender identity and role behavior as well as sexual orientation. In this review, I summarize the results of numerous correlative as well as mechanistic animal experiments that shed significant light on general neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling the differentiation of neural circuits controlling sexual partner preference (sexual orientation) in mammalian species including man. I also argue, however, that results of animal studies can, at best, provide only indirect insights into the neuroendocrine determinants of human gender identity and role behaviors. |
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Address |
Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Sreet, Boston, MA 02215, USA. baum@bu.edu |
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English |
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0018-506X |
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Notes |
PMID:16876166 |
Approved |
no |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
4190 |
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Author |
Elhay, M.; Newbold, A.; Britton, A.; Turley, P.; Dowsett, K.; Walker, J. |
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Title |
Suppression of behavioural and physiological oestrus in the mare by vaccination against GnRH |
Type |
Journal Article |
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Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Australian Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Aust Vet J |
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Volume |
85 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
39-45 |
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Keywords |
Animals; Antibodies/blood; Estradiol/blood; *Estrus/drug effects/physiology; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/*immunology/*pharmacology; Horses/*physiology; Luteinizing Hormone/blood; Ovulation/*drug effects/physiology; Progesterone/blood; Safety; Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects/physiology; Time Factors; Vaccination/veterinary |
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Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To examine the immunogenicity of an equine immunocontraceptive vaccine and its efficacy in controlling hormone-related behaviour. DESIGN: A total of 24 mares at two sites in Australia were vaccinated with an immunocontraceptive vaccine comprising gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) conjugated to a carrier protein in immunostimulating complex as an adjuvant. Twelve animals at each site received a placebo of adjuvant alone and served as controls for seasonal oestrus, hormonal and behaviour patterns. Animals were observed for injection site reactions, ovarian and follicular activity, and serum levels of antibody, 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone in the weeks following vaccination. Mares were also examined for oestrous behaviour by teasing with a stallion. RESULTS: All mares responded to vaccination. Two weeks following the second vaccination there was a peak in antibody response to GnRH that declined gradually over the following weeks. Commensurate with the elevated anti-GnRH antibody there was a marked effect on ovarian activity with a reduction in 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone levels in the 24 vaccinated mares. There was also a reduction of oestrus-related behaviour as determined by a teaser stallion. This effect lasted a minimum of 3 months and correlated with the initial level of antibody response. CONCLUSION: Following a conventional two-dose immunisation regime this commercially available equine immunocontraceptive vaccine was effective at inhibiting oestrous behaviour for at least 3 months. This vaccine has a high level of safety since there were no significant local reactions nor were there any adverse systemic responses to vaccination. |
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Veterinary Medicines Research and Development, Pfizer Animal Health, Parkville, VIC 3052. Martin.Elhay@pfizer.com |
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English |
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0005-0423 |
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PMID:17300452 |
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1831 |
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