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Review
. 2023 Apr 4:10:1136332.
doi: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1136332. eCollection 2023.

A neuroscience-based approach to the assessment of sexual behavior in animals

Samet Tekin  1 , Elif Ece Akgün  2 , Ali Doğan Ömür  3
Affiliations
Review

A neuroscience-based approach to the assessment of sexual behavior in animals

Samet Tekin et al. Front Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Sexual behavior in animals is important in ensuring the continuity of the generation. These behaviors differ in animal species. Sexual behaviors are shaped under the control of the reproductive system. Physiological stimuli produced by the reproductive system find their counterparts in the organism as reproductive activity. Reproductive activity display a critical role by transferring on the genetic heritage of organisms to the next generations. This activity, which is built on delicate balances, is associated with many systems in the organism. Nervous system, hormonal system, and circulatory system are the main ones. The regular formation of the reproductive activity in species is due to the effect of various factors. In domestic mammals, the reproductive activity is regulated by hormones secreted from brain and endocrine glands. Many hormones have duties in terms of the sustainability of reproductive activity. GnRH is the main hormone responsible for initiating this reproductive activity. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is a small molecule peptide from certain nerve cells in the nucleus infundibularis region of the hypothalamus and consists of different amino acids, is secreted under the influence of smell, temperature, light, and physical stimulation. Besides, GnRH release is controlled by various neurotransmitters (adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin). On the other hand, various genetic factors in secretory glands, gonadal cells, reproductive tissues can lead to significant changes on reproductive activity through specific molecular pathways and mechanisms.

Keywords: hypothalamus; neuroscience; photoperiod; reproductive physiology; sexual behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A schematic diagram illustrating sex-biasing influences of sex chromosomes and gonadal hormones (16).
Figure 2
Figure 2
A model of SRY action in testis determination.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Pituitary, its secretions and the tissues it affects.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A schematic model of the appearance of the testicular tissue.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Genital system of mare.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Hormonal mechanism of reproductive functions.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Synthesis of melatonin from tryptophan under the influence of light in the pineal gland (42). SCG, Superior cervical ganglion; SCN, Suprachiasmatic nucleus; NA, Noradrenaline; PVN, Paraventricular nucleus; AADC, Aromatic-L-amino-acid decarboxylase; AANAT, Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase; TPH, Hydroxytryptophan 5-hydroxylase; HIOMT, Hydroxy indole-O-methyltransferase; NAS, N-asetlyserotonin.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Dog vomeronasal organ (48).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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