The Neural Basis of Sexually Dimorphic Brain Function

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

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Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This grant aims to understand the function of sex differences in developing brains by focusing on the higher level of vasopressin expression in male versus female brains. This is the most consistently found sex difference among vertebrates, and the best understood in terms of function in adult animals. Interestingly, this sex difference is even more dramatic in juveniles (almost absolute), yet no attempts have been made to study its function at this stage. This grant will study whether the sex difference in vasopressin innervation contributes to sex differences in the display and control of social behavior in juvenile rats. The focus will be on social play (or play fighting), a behavior that is much more pronounced in males than in females and probably the first social behavior that is not directed at the mother. The first aim is to paint a comprehensive picture of vasopressin development by monitoring vasopressin mRNA levels, peptide distribution, and receptor binding in the developing brain. This is essential for generating hypotheses as to how vasopressin may contribute to sex differences in social behavior. The second aim is to test whether social play is accompanied by changes in central vasopressin release. The third aim is to test the hypothesis that central vasopressin release contributes to sex differences in the emergence and control of social behavior by testing the effects of vasopressin or vasopressin receptor antagonists on social play and social recognition. Understanding how the brain controls social behavior during development is important as many behavioral disorders show striking sex differences in morbidity that manifest themselves during development. For example, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are much more common in boys than in girls. Sexual differentiation of the brain likely contributes to these differences. Although recently major advances have been made in understanding the neural basis of social behavior in adulthood, how such behavior is controlled during development is by and large unknown. This grant will address these issues. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Behavioral disorders that manifest themselves during development, such as autism spectrum disorders, are often more common and severe in boys than in girls. Sexual differentiation of the brain likely contributes to these differences. This research explores the behavioral consequences of neural sex differences in juvenile rats.