VMHvll^Cckar cells dynamically control female sexual behaviors over the reproductive cycle.

ABSTRACT: Sexual behavior is fundamental for the survival of mammalian species and thus supported by dedicated neural substrates. The ventrolateral part of ventromedial hypothalamus (VMHvl) is an essential locus for controlling female sexual behaviors, but recent studies revealed the molecular complexity and functional heterogeneity of VMHvl cells. Here, we identify the cholecystokinin A receptor (Cckar)-expressing cells in the lateral VMHvl (VMHvll^Cckar) as the key controllers of female sexual behaviors. The inactivation of VMHvll^Cckar cells in female mice diminishes their interest in males and sexual receptivity, whereas activating these cells has the opposite effects. Female sexual behaviors vary drastically over the reproductive cycle. In vivo recordings reveal reproductive

SUBMITTER: Yin L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9509472 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature