Abstract
Steroid receptor activation in developing brain influences a variety of cellular processes that endure into adulthood, altering both behavior and physiology. We report that estrogen receptors can be activated in a ligand-independent manner within developing brain by membrane dopamine receptors. Neonatal treatment with either estradiol or a dopamine D1 receptor agonist can increase the expression of an estrogen receptor-regulated gene (i.e. progestin receptors) and later juvenile social play. More importantly, increases in social play behavior induced by neonatal treatment with estradiol or a dopamine D1 receptor agonist can be prevented by prior treatment with an estrogen receptor antagonist. This suggests that changes in dopamine transmission in developing brain can activate estrogen receptors in a ligand-independent manner to influence gene expression and have lasting consequences on social behavior.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine / pharmacology
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Animals
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Animals, Newborn
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Behavior, Animal / drug effects
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Behavior, Animal / physiology*
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Brain / growth & development*
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Brain / metabolism
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Dopamine / metabolism*
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Dopamine Agonists / pharmacology
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Estradiol / pharmacology
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Estrogen Antagonists / pharmacology
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Estrogen Receptor alpha / antagonists & inhibitors
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Estrogen Receptor alpha / metabolism*
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Female
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Male
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Play and Playthings
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Pregnancy
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Rats
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Receptors, Dopamine D1 / agonists
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Receptors, Dopamine D1 / metabolism
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Receptors, Progesterone / metabolism*
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Social Behavior
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Tamoxifen / pharmacology
Substances
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Dopamine Agonists
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Estrogen Antagonists
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Estrogen Receptor alpha
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Receptors, Dopamine D1
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Receptors, Progesterone
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Tamoxifen
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Estradiol
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2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-benzazepine
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Dopamine