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Review
. 2012;96(2):131-40.
doi: 10.1159/000337663. Epub 2012 Sep 14.

Androgen receptors, sex behavior, and aggression

Rebecca L Cunningham  1 , Augustus R Lumia, Marilyn Y McGinnis
Affiliations
Review

Androgen receptors, sex behavior, and aggression

Rebecca L Cunningham et al. Neuroendocrinology. 2012.

Abstract

Androgens are intricately involved in reproductive and aggressive behaviors, but the role of the androgen receptor in mediating these behaviors is less defined. Further, activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can influence each other at the level of the androgen receptor. Knowledge of the mechanisms for androgens' effects on behaviors through the androgen receptor will guide future studies in elucidating male reproductive and aggressive behavior repertoires.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Androgen receptor (AR) control of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Activation of the HPG axis results in increased AR activation, resulting in decreased activation of the HPA axis. Conversely, HPA axis activation decreased AR activation and subsequent HPG activation. HPA and HPG axis can modulate each other at the level of the AR. Abbreviations: GnRH-gonadotropin-releasing hormone, LH-luteinizing hormone, FSH-follicle-stimulating hormone, ACTH-adrenocorticotropic hormone, CRH-corticotropin-releasing hormone.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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