Sexual Differentiation of the Central Nervous System

MacLusky, Neil J.; Naftolin, Frederick

doi:10.1126/science.6163211

Cited by 1,469Sexual Differentiation and DisordersGenetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal AbnormalitiesHypothalamic control of reproductive hormones

Sexual Differentiation of the Central Nervous System

MacLusky, Neil J., Naftolin, Frederick·1981·Science

DOI 10.1126/science.6163211

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Abstract

Sexual differentiation of reproductive and behavior patterns is largely effected by hormones produced by the gonads. In many higher vertebrates, an integral part of this process is the induction of permanent and essentially irreversible sex differences in central nervous function, in response to gonadal hormones secreted early in development.

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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 [60]

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Authors: MacLusky, N. J., & Naftolin, F.
Affiliations: Yale University (US)
ORCID: MacLusky, Neil J.
Naftolin, Frederick
Venue: Science
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Published: 1981-03-20
Volume: 211
Issue: 4488
Pages: 1294-1302
ISSN: 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
1095-9203
DOI: 10.1126/science.6163211
OpenAlex: W2052435478
Cited by: 1,469
References: 4
Citations by year: 2026: 5 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 17 · 2020: 22 · 2019: 23 · 2018: 26 · 2017: 33 · 2016: 26 · 2015: 31 · 2014: 33 · 2013: 24 · 2012: 33
FWCI: 4.42
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Science (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
Keywords: sexual differentiation, central nervous system, gonadal hormones, sex differences, reproductive behavior, brain development, gonadotropins
MeSH terms: alpha-Fetoproteins, Androgens, Animals, Birds, Brain, Central Nervous System, Estrogens, Female, Humans, Male, Mammals, Morphogenesis, Ovary, Receptors, Cell Surface, Receptors, Steroid, Sex Characteristics, Sex Determination Analysis, Sex Differentiation, Testis, Time Factors

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Sexual Differentiation of the Central Nervous System

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