Reproductive experience modifies the effects of estrogen receptor alpha activity on anxiety-like behavior and corticotropin releasing hormone mRNA expression.

ABSTRACT: Previous studies have demonstrated that prior reproductive experience can influence anxiety-like behaviors, although neural mechanisms underlying this shift remain unknown. Studies in virgin females suggest that activation of the two estrogen receptor subtypes, ERα and ERβ, have differing effects on anxiety. Specifically, ERβ activation has been shown to reduce anxiety-like behaviors, while ERα activation has no significant effect. The purpose of the present study was to examine the possible roles of ERα and ERβ subtypes in parity-induced alterations in anxiety-like behavior, as tested on the elevated plus maze (EPM). Groups of ovariectomized, age-matched, nulliparous and primiparous females were tested on the EPM following administration of the ERα agonist 4,4',4''-(4-Propyl-{1H}-pyrazole

SUBMITTER: Byrnes EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3264805 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature