Abstract
The arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus is one of several sexually dimorphic hypothalamic nuclei. We have previously demonstrated that astrocytes in the neonatal arcuate nucleus exhibit a marked sexually dimorphic morphology as a result of differential exposure to gonadal steroids by postnatal day (PN) 2, with males having complex stellate cells compared to the simple bipolar ones found in females. Here, we present data demonstrating that arcuate astrocytes are sexually dimorphic by the day of birth and continue as such throughout postnatal development (PN0-PN15), and persist into adulthood. These data suggest that early gonadal steroid exposure permanently organizes arcuate astrocyte morphology. The male versus female difference in astrocyte morphology may contribute to the sexually dimorphic regulation of neuroendrocrine secretions from the pituitary in the adult.
Publication types
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Androgens / metabolism
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / cytology*
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Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / growth & development*
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Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus / metabolism
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Astrocytes / cytology*
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Astrocytes / metabolism
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Cell Differentiation / physiology*
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Cell Size / physiology
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Estrogens / metabolism
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Female
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / metabolism
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones / metabolism*
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Immunohistochemistry
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Male
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Neurosecretory Systems / cytology
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Neurosecretory Systems / growth & development*
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Neurosecretory Systems / metabolism
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Orchiectomy
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Ovariectomy
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Pituitary Gland / growth & development
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Pituitary Gland / metabolism
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Sex Characteristics*
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Sexual Maturation / physiology
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Testosterone / pharmacology
Substances
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Androgens
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Estrogens
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Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
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Gonadal Steroid Hormones
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Testosterone