Changes in @entity342 receptor mRNA expression in the forebrain and oviduct during the reproductive cycle of female XXXX geckos, Eublepharis macularius.

@entity251 @entity2339 @entity342 @entity14301
Successful reproduction requires the coordination of reproductive physiology with behavior. The neural correlates of reproductive behavior have been elucidated in a variety of amphibians, mammals, and birds but relatively few studies have examined reptiles. Here we investigate differences in @entity342 receptor (AR) mRNA expression in the forebrain and oviduct between previtellogenic and late vitellogenic female @entity14301 geckos, Eublepharis macularius. Plasma concentrations of @entity251 (T) are low when females are previtellogenic and sexually unreceptive but increase dramatically during late vitellogenesis when females are receptive. In addition, receptivity can be induced by treatment with exogenous T. The relative abundance of AR-mRNA across various nuclei was greater in late vitellogenic than in previtellogenic females. This general pattern was observed in the medial preoptic area, anterior @entity2339 , external nucleus of the amygdala, dorsolateral aspect of the ventromedial @entity2339 , lateral septum, and periventricular @entity2339 . There were also clear differences in AR-mRNA expression among these nuclei. The pattern of gene expression observed in the brain was reversed within stromal cells of the oviduct where expression of AR-mRNA decreased from the previtellogenic stage to the late vitellogenic stage. Overall, these data demonstrate that T concentration in the plasma, abundance of AR-mRNA in the brain and oviduct, and sexual behavior change coordinately during the reproductive cycle of female @entity14301 geckos. Although the function of AR in the female @entity14301 gecko is not yet clear, our results are in accord with growing evidence that androgens regulate numerous aspects of female physiology and behavior in vertebrates.
