Sexual differentiation of the vertebrate nervous system

Morris, John A; Jordan, Cynthia L; Breedlove, S Marc

doi:10.1038/nn1325

Cited by 627Sexual Differentiation and DisordersNeuroendocrine regulation and behaviorGenetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities

Sexual differentiation of the vertebrate nervous system

Morris, John A, Jordan, Cynthia L, Breedlove, S Marc·2004·Nature Neuroscience

DOI 10.1038/nn1325

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Abstract

Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to sex differences in the behavior of nonhuman animals may contribute to the understanding of sex differences in humans. In vertebrate model systems, a single factor-the steroid hormone testosterone-accounts for most, and perhaps all, of the known sex differences in neural structure and behavior. Here we review some of the events triggered by testosterone that masculinize the developing and adult nervous system, promote male behaviors and suppress female behaviors. Testosterone often sculpts the developing nervous system by inhibiting or exacerbating cell death and/or by modulating the formation and elimination of synapses. Experience, too, can interact with testosterone to enhance or diminish its effects on the central nervous system. However, more work is needed to uncover the particular cells and specific genes on which testosterone acts to initiate these events.

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If the brain is exposed to testosterone either from its own testes in males or from an exogenous source in females, it will be masculinized.
“If the brain is exposed to testosterone either from its own testes in males or from an exogenous source in females, it will be masculinized [59–64].”
From Sex differences in metabolic homeostasis, diabetes, and obesity (2015) · cites this paper as [62]
Classically, the organizational effects of fetal sex steroids were produced during time-limited critical periods to shape enduring differences in male and female brain structure and function.
“Classically, the organizational effects of fetal sex steroids were produced during time-limited critical periods to shape enduring differences in male and female brain structure and function (Morris et al., 2004).”
From Sex-specific developmental alterations in DYRK1A expression in the brain of a Down syndrome mouse model (2024) · cites this paper as Morris et al., 2004

ORGANIZING ACTION OF PRENATALLY ADMINISTERED TESTOSTERONE PROPIONATE ON THE TISSUES MEDIATING MATING BEHAVIOR IN THE FEMALE GUINEA PIG <sup>1</sup>
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“Classically, the organizational effects of fetal sex steroids were produced during time-limited critical periods to shape enduring differences in male and female brain structure and function (Morris et al., 2004).”

Authors: Morris, J. A., Jordan, C. L., & Breedlove, S. M.
Affiliations: Michigan State University (US)
Corresponding author: Breedlove, S Marc
ORCID: Breedlove, S Marc
Venue: Nature Neuroscience
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published: 2004-09-27
Volume: 7
Issue: 10
Pages: 1034-1039
ISSN: 1097-6256 (ISSN-L)
1546-1726
DOI: 10.1038/nn1325
OpenAlex: W2011700227
Cited by: 627
References: 5
Citations by year: 2026: 6 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 19 · 2023: 25 · 2022: 24 · 2021: 27 · 2020: 23 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 24 · 2017: 39 · 2016: 34 · 2015: 32 · 2014: 32 · 2013: 42 · 2012: 27
FWCI: 1.73
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Licence: www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations: Nature Neuroscience (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Neuroendocrine regulation and behavior
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
Keywords: testosterone, sex differences in behavior, masculinization, neural development, synaptic pruning, cell death, experience-dependent plasticity
MeSH terms: Animals, Central Nervous System, Humans, Neural Pathways, Neuronal Plasticity, Receptors, Androgen, Sex Differentiation, Testosterone, Vertebrates, Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental

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Sexual differentiation of the vertebrate nervous system

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