An analysis of sex and breeding stage differences in prolactin binding activity in brain and hypothalamic GnRH concentration in Wilson's phalarope, a sex role-reversed species

General and Comparative Endocrinology
J D BuntinA J Fivizzani

Abstract

Wilson's Phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor) is a sex role-reversed species in which incubation of eggs and care of young is performed exclusively by the male. Plasma levels of prolactin (PRL), the hormone most associated with parental care in birds, are higher in incubating males than in nonincubating males or females. Conversely, plasma testosterone levels are reduced in males during incubation. In an attempt to characterize the physiological basis of this unusual parental care system we used quantitative film autoradiography and densitometry to measure the specific binding in vitro of 125I-ovine PRL to 12 brain regions in females, nonincubating males, and incubating males during the normal breeding season. We also measured hypothalamic chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone I (cGnRH-I) in three brain areas in these same birds, as well as plasma levels of PRL and testosterone. Analysis revealed that cGnRH-I concentrations in the preoptic area and plasma testosterone levels were significantly lower in incubating males than in nonincubating males. Specific binding of 125I-ovine PRL was detected in choroid plexus and in several diencephalic brain regions of both sexes, with highest binding activity recorded in the dorsolateral thala...Continue Reading

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Citations

Jun 2, 2007·Developmental Neurobiology·Cornelia Voigt, Wolfgang Goymann

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