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Elizabeth R Wagenmaker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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psychosocial stress suppresses attractivity Proceptivity and pulsatile lh secretion in the ewe
Hormones and Behavior, 2008Co-Authors: Bree Naomi Pierce, P H Hemsworth, Elizabeth Therese Astrid Rivalland, Elizabeth R WagenmakerAbstract:Various stressors suppress pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ewes and cortisol has been shown to be a mediator of this effect under various conditions. In contrast, little is known about the impact of stress and cortisol on sexual behavior in the ewe. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that both psychosocial stress and stress-like levels of cortisol will reduce the level of attractivity, Proceptivity and receptivity in addition to suppressing LH secretion in the ewe. In Experiment 1, a layered stress paradigm of psychosocial stress was used, consisting of isolation for 4 h with the addition of restraint, blindfold and noise of a barking dog (predator stress) at hourly intervals. This stress paradigm reduced LH pulse amplitude in ovariectomized ewes. In Experiment 2, ovariectomized ewes were artificially induced into estrus with progesterone and estradiol benzoate treatment and the layered stress paradigm was applied. LH was measured and sexual behavior was assessed using T-mazes and mating tests. Stress reduced pulsatile LH secretion, and also reduced attractivity and Proceptivity of ewes but had no effect on receptivity. In Experiment 3, ewes artificially induced into estrus were infused with cortisol for 30 h. Cortisol elevated circulating plasma concentrations of cortisol, delayed the onset of estrus and resulted in increased circling behavior of ewes (i.e. moderate avoidance) during estrus and increased investigation and courtship from rams. There was no effect of cortisol on attractivity, Proceptivity or receptivity during estrus. We conclude that psychosocial stress inhibits LH secretion, the ability of ewes to attract rams (attractivity) and the motivation of ewes to seek rams and initiate mating (Proceptivity), but cortisol is unlikely to be the principal mediator of these effects.
Michael H Ferkin - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A Low Phytoestrogen Diet Reduces the Proceptivity But Not the Attractivity of Meadow Voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus)
Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 13, 2016Co-Authors: Lyndsey M. Pierson, Matthew Hetherington, Michael H FerkinAbstract:The literature is replete with studies showing that phytoestrogens can impact the reproductive physiology of a wide variety of vertebrates. However, the results of many of these studies provide mixed results, with phytoestrogens exerting an estrogenic effect, antiestrogenic effect, or no effect on reproductive physiology across taxa and within species. Less is known about the role phytoestrogens may play in the sexual behavior of vertebrates and most of those studies have focused on rats and mice, and again produced mixed findings on the impact of phytoestrogens on the sexual behavior of rodents. In this study, we determined whether the removal of dietary phytoestrogens impacted two of the three components of sexual behavior: attractivity and Proceptivity in meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus. Attractivity refers to the attractiveness of the scent marks male and female meadow voles produce to opposite-sex conspecifics, whereas Proceptivity refers to the interest voles have in investigating opposite-sex conspecifics or their scent marks. We tested the hypothesis that the amount of phytoestrogens in the diet will induce different effects on the attractivity and Proceptivity of voles by maintaining voles on either a moderate phytoestrogen diet (standard rodent chow) or a low phytoestrogen diet. The results showed that the attractiveness of the scent marks of voles was not affected by whether they were fed either a moderate or low phytoestrogen content diet. However, voles fed a low phytoestrogen diet did not behave proceptively toward opposite-sex conspecifics, spending similar amounts of time investigating the scent mark of the opposite-sex donor and that of the same-sex donor. Thus, voles that eat a low phytoestrogen diet may be less likely to find a mate and may have lower mating and reproductive success relative to that of voles that eat a diet containing moderate phytoestrogens. Our findings also lend support to the conclusions reached by some studies of nonhuman primates, rodents, ungulates, fish, and birds in which exposure to phytoestrogens produced estrogenic effects for certain sexual behaviors and no effect on other sexual behaviors.
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The behavior of female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus, during postpartum estrus and the responses of males to them
Mammalian Biology, 2014Co-Authors: Michael H Ferkin, Javier Delbarco-trilloAbstract:For numerous species of terrestrial mammals, postpartum estrus, PPE, is a period of heightened attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity that occurs shortly after the female delivers her litter. Many mammals mate almost exclusively during PPE. However, we know little about the behavior of PPE females and how male conspecifics behave toward them. This review focuses on the results of recent studies that tried to examine systematically the behavior of PPE female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus , and the responses of males to them. Our review is divided in five parts. First, we introduce the topic of PPE in rodents. Second, we discuss the outcome of studies showing that PPE female voles were more attractive to males, directed more proceptive behaviors toward males, and were more sexually receptive and likely to get pregnant compared to females that were not in PPE. Third, we discuss studies that examined how male voles respond and adjust their behavior when they encounter PPE females. Males increase the likelihood of mating with PPE females by recalling the reproductive state of females and the location of their nests, and by anticipating how long or when each of these females would be in PPE. Fourth, we focus in how food availability, an ecological constraint facing gestating female voles, affected their attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity postpartum. Fifth, we revisit the benefits of seeking out and mating with PPE females and introduce the costs of doing so for both males and PPE females. We close our review with a list of questions that can be used to formulate testable hypotheses surrounding the behavior of PPE females and the responses of male conspecifics to them.
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Food Deprivation and Restriction During late Gestation Affect the Sexual Behavior of Postpartum Female Meadow Voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus
Ethology : formerly Zeitschrift fur Tierpsychologie, 2012Co-Authors: Ramona M. Sabau, Michael H FerkinAbstract:AbstractIn many species of small mammals, including meadow voles, Microtuspennsylvanicus, females come into postpartum estrus (PPE) within 12–24 hof giving birth, allowing them to mate and become pregnant while raisingthe current litter. PPE females show increases in attractivity, Proceptivity,and receptivity, the three components of sexual behavior, relative tofemales not in PPE. Several studies have shown that food deprivation andrestriction reduce attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity of females notin PPE. We tested the hypothesis that food deprivation and restriction dur-ing late gestation cause deficits and decrease the attractivity, Proceptivity,and receptivity of females when they enter PPE. Our data support thehypothesis. On day 1 of lactation, females that were food deprived andfood restricted produced scent marks that were significantly less attractiveas those produced by control PPE females. Food deprivation but not foodrestriction caused females to no longer display significant preferences forthe scent marks of males over those of females (Proceptivity). Food depri-vation and food restriction were sufficient to induce females to becomesignificantly less sexually receptive than control females. Eleven of 12control PPE females mated, 4 of 12 food-restricted females mated, and 3 of12 food-deprived females mated. Dams facing food deprivation or restric-tion during late gestation may have to balance the benefits of matingduring PPE with the increased costs associated with getting pregnantwhile they are lactating.IntroductionSexual behavior in female mammals can be separatedand characterized into three observable components:attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity (Beach1976). Attractivity refers to the relative stimulus val-ues of cues and signals of different senders of the samesex, when assessed by receivers of the opposite sex(Beach 1976). Proceptivity refers to the sexually appe-titive responses of receivers to cues and signals ofopposite-sex conspecifics (Beach 1976). Attractivityand Proceptivity establish communication betweenpotential mates and allow them to coordinate behav-iors that facilitate or inhibit direct interactions (Beach1976; Johnston 1979; Stopka & Macdonald 1998). Formost terrestrial mammals, including rodents, theseinteractions are mediated by olfactory signals, such asscent marks, from the sender and the responses ofreceivers to these scent marks (Brown 1985; Johnston2003; Ferkin et al. 2004). Receptivity refers to afemale’s willingness to mate (Beach 1976). Matingincludes lordosis by the female and mounts, intromis-sions, thrusts, and ejaculations by males (Gray D delBarco-Trillo & Ferkin 2004,2006a,b).The three components of sexual behavior can beaffected by altering the amount of food available to afemale (Bronson 1989; Wade et al. 1996; Pierce et al.2005). For example, food-restricted or food-deprivedfemale rats (Rattus norvegicus), musk shrews (Suncus
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Food deprivation and the role of estradiol in mediating sexual behaviors in meadow voles.
Physiology & behavior, 2006Co-Authors: Andrew A Pierce, Izu Iwueke, Michael H FerkinAbstract:Female mammals are particularly sensitive to changes in food availability. The mechanisms that affect sexual behavior and food intake are closely related to one another; chief among the mechanisms that control sexual behaviors in females is estradiol. In order to understand how food deprivation results in inhibition of sexual behavior (attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity), we measured the effects of food deprivation on circulating concentrations of estradiol. We also determined whether estradiol treatment was sufficient to restore sexual behaviors in food-deprived female meadow voles. We found that estradiol titers of food-deprived female voles are significantly lower than those of ad lib-fed female voles. Further, we found that estradiol treatment was sufficient to restore Proceptivity and receptivity in food-deprived, ovariectomized female voles. However, estradiol treatment was not able to overcome the food deprivation-induced inhibition of attractivity. Thus, decreases in estradiol titer of food-deprived female voles may be related to the suppression of their proceptive and receptive behaviors, and may be a mechanism that allows females to avoid mating when conditions are not propitious for their survival and that of their offspring.
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food deprivation induced changes in sexual behaviour of meadow voles microtus pennsylvanicus
Animal Behaviour, 2005Co-Authors: Andrew A Pierce, Michael H Ferkin, Tavares K WilliamsAbstract:Food availability affects the reproductive performance of many animals. However, the majority of knowledge pertaining to food-deprivation-induced behavioural changes stems from a few model species. We investigated the effects of food deprivation on the sexual behaviour of male and female meadow voles using a three-component model that included attractivity, Proceptivity and receptivity. In both males and females, Proceptivity and receptivity were inhibited by food deprivations that lasted 6 h. Attractivity in females was inhibited after 24 h of food deprivation, whereas attractivity of males did not appear to be affected at any duration of food deprivation tested. Both male and female Proceptivity were attenuated by food deprivations of 6 h and longer. Finally, female receptivity was inhibited by food deprivations of 6 h or longer. The data support the metabolic fuels hypothesis in females and partially support the metabolic fuels hypothesis in males. Short-term (6–12 h) and moderate (18–24 h) interruptions in food availability had inhibitory effects on all components of sexual behaviour in female meadow voles but not on Proceptivity and receptivity in male meadow voles.
C. Boesch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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The efficacy of female choice in chimpanzees of the Taï Forest, Côte d’Ivoire
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2006Co-Authors: R. M. Stumpf, C. BoeschAbstract:Male–male competition has historically been considered the major force driving sexual selection. However, female choice and inter-sexual conflict are increasingly recognized as important influences affecting differential mating and reproductive success. Many females exhibit preferences for particular males; however, male strategies may conflict with females’ ability to obtain their mate preferences. To influence paternity, females must affect both (1) whether or not sexual interactions occur, particularly during the periovulatory period (POP) and (2) the outcome of sexual interactions. This study focuses on the effectiveness of female choice in wild chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes verus ). Over 2,600 h of data were collected on two habituated chimpanzee communities in the Taï National Park, Côte d’Ivoire. Female mate preferences were measured by quantifying proceptive and resistance behavior toward males in both the periovulatory period and non-POP phases of estrus. The efficacy of female preference was measured both (1) by measuring success rates of female Proceptivity and resistance behaviors and (2) by determining how well measures of female mate preference (Proceptivity and resistance rates) predict male mating success. Though male chimpanzees are clearly dominant to females, the results indicate that females could effectively resist male solicitations and, in most cases, unwanted copulations were averted. Both female Proceptivity and resistance rates correlate (positively and inversely, respectively) with male mating success in POP. Outside POP, female Proceptivity rates corresponded with male mating success, but resistance rates did not. Males (irrespective of rank) that were preferred by females obtained higher mating success compared to other males during the POP, suggesting that females were effective in their mate choice and that, despite clear male dominance, female choice influences paternity in wild chimpanzees.
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The efficacy of female choice in chimpanzees of the Taï forest, Côte d'Ivoire
Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 2006Co-Authors: R. M. Stumpf, C. BoeschAbstract:Male–male competition has historically been considered the major force driving sexual selection. However, female choice and inter-sexual conflict are increasingly recognized as important influences affecting differential mating and reproductive success. Many females exhibit preferences for particular males; however, male strategies may conflict with females’ ability to obtain their mate preferences. To influence paternity, females must affect both (1) whether or not sexual interactions occur, particularly during the periovulatory period (POP) and (2) the outcome of sexual interactions. This study focuses on the effectiveness of female choice in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus). Over 2,600 h of data were collected on two habituated chimpanzee communities in the Tai National Park, Cote d’Ivoire. Female mate preferences were measured by quantifying proceptive and resistance behavior toward males in both the periovulatory period and non-POP phases of estrus. The efficacy of female preference was measured both (1) by measuring success rates of female Proceptivity and resistance behaviors and (2) by determining how well measures of female mate preference (Proceptivity and resistance rates) predict male mating success. Though male chimpanzees are clearly dominant to females, the results indicate that females could effectively resist male solicitations and, in most cases, unwanted copulations were averted. Both female Proceptivity and resistance rates correlate (positively and inversely, respectively) with male mating success in POP. Outside POP, female Proceptivity rates corresponded with male mating success, but resistance rates did not. Males (irrespective of rank) that were preferred by females obtained higher mating success compared to other males during the POP, suggesting that females were effective in their mate choice and that, despite clear male dominance, female choice influences paternity in wild chimpanzees.
Andrew A Pierce - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Food deprivation and the role of estradiol in mediating sexual behaviors in meadow voles.
Physiology & behavior, 2006Co-Authors: Andrew A Pierce, Izu Iwueke, Michael H FerkinAbstract:Female mammals are particularly sensitive to changes in food availability. The mechanisms that affect sexual behavior and food intake are closely related to one another; chief among the mechanisms that control sexual behaviors in females is estradiol. In order to understand how food deprivation results in inhibition of sexual behavior (attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity), we measured the effects of food deprivation on circulating concentrations of estradiol. We also determined whether estradiol treatment was sufficient to restore sexual behaviors in food-deprived female meadow voles. We found that estradiol titers of food-deprived female voles are significantly lower than those of ad lib-fed female voles. Further, we found that estradiol treatment was sufficient to restore Proceptivity and receptivity in food-deprived, ovariectomized female voles. However, estradiol treatment was not able to overcome the food deprivation-induced inhibition of attractivity. Thus, decreases in estradiol titer of food-deprived female voles may be related to the suppression of their proceptive and receptive behaviors, and may be a mechanism that allows females to avoid mating when conditions are not propitious for their survival and that of their offspring.
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food deprivation induced changes in sexual behaviour of meadow voles microtus pennsylvanicus
Animal Behaviour, 2005Co-Authors: Andrew A Pierce, Michael H Ferkin, Tavares K WilliamsAbstract:Food availability affects the reproductive performance of many animals. However, the majority of knowledge pertaining to food-deprivation-induced behavioural changes stems from a few model species. We investigated the effects of food deprivation on the sexual behaviour of male and female meadow voles using a three-component model that included attractivity, Proceptivity and receptivity. In both males and females, Proceptivity and receptivity were inhibited by food deprivations that lasted 6 h. Attractivity in females was inhibited after 24 h of food deprivation, whereas attractivity of males did not appear to be affected at any duration of food deprivation tested. Both male and female Proceptivity were attenuated by food deprivations of 6 h and longer. Finally, female receptivity was inhibited by food deprivations of 6 h or longer. The data support the metabolic fuels hypothesis in females and partially support the metabolic fuels hypothesis in males. Short-term (6–12 h) and moderate (18–24 h) interruptions in food availability had inhibitory effects on all components of sexual behaviour in female meadow voles but not on Proceptivity and receptivity in male meadow voles.
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Protein content of male diet does not influence proceptive or receptive behavior in female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus
Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 10, 1Co-Authors: Andrew A Pierce, Michael H Ferkin, Nerav P. PatelAbstract:Sexual behavior is comprised of the three components: attractivity, Proceptivity, and receptivity. Previous work has shown that a meadow vole’s odor attractivity to the opposite sex is positively correlated with the amount of protein in the diet that it consumed. We determined whether protein content of a male vole’s diet (high, medium, or low) affected Proceptivity and receptivity of a female vole. The protein content of the diet of male voles did not affect female Proceptivity or receptivity. These findings suggest that the protein content of a male’s diet may affect a female’s initial interest in a male but not whether she will mate with him.
P H Hemsworth - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Acute and chronic stress-like levels of cortisol inhibit the oestradiol stimulus to induce sexual receptivity but have no effect on sexual attractivity or Proceptivity in female sheep.
Hormones and behavior, 2011Co-Authors: Melissa Papargiris, P H Hemsworth, Elizabeth Therese Astrid Rivalland, Adam Daniel Morrissey, Alan J TilbrookAbstract:Abstract Stress-like levels of cortisol inhibit sexual receptivity in ewes but the mechanism of this action is not understood. One possibility is that cortisol interferes with the actions of oestradiol to induce sexual receptivity. We tested this hypothesis in 2 experiments with ovariectomised ewes that were artificially induced into oestrus by 12 days of i.m. injections of progesterone followed by an i.m. injection of oestradiol benzoate (ODB) 48 h later. In Experiment 1, ewes were randomly allocated to the following groups: saline infusion + 25 μg ODB, saline infusion + 50 μg ODB, cortisol infusion + 25 μg ODB or cortisol infusion + 50 μg ODB (n = 5 per group). Saline or cortisol was infused i.v. for 40 h beginning at the ODB injection. In Experiment 2, ewes were infused with saline or cortisol (n = 5 per group) for 5 h beginning 1 h before ODB injection. In both experiments, ewe sexual behaviour (attractivity, Proceptivity and receptivity) was quantified every 6 h. Blood samples were also collected. The cortisol infusion yielded plasma concentrations of cortisol similar to those seen during psychosocial stress. In both experiments, cortisol suppressed receptivity index (number of immobilisations by ewe/courtship displays by ram) and the number of times ewes were mounted but had no effect on attractivity or Proceptivity, irrespective of the dose of ODB (Experiment 1). Cortisol also suppressed LH pulse amplitude. These results suggest that both an acute (5 h) and chronic (40 h) infusion of cortisol inhibit oestradiol-induced sexual receptivity in ewes and that increasing the dose of ODB does not overcome the inhibitory effects of cortisol.
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psychosocial stress suppresses attractivity Proceptivity and pulsatile lh secretion in the ewe
Hormones and Behavior, 2008Co-Authors: Bree Naomi Pierce, P H Hemsworth, Elizabeth Therese Astrid Rivalland, Elizabeth R WagenmakerAbstract:Various stressors suppress pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) in ewes and cortisol has been shown to be a mediator of this effect under various conditions. In contrast, little is known about the impact of stress and cortisol on sexual behavior in the ewe. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that both psychosocial stress and stress-like levels of cortisol will reduce the level of attractivity, Proceptivity and receptivity in addition to suppressing LH secretion in the ewe. In Experiment 1, a layered stress paradigm of psychosocial stress was used, consisting of isolation for 4 h with the addition of restraint, blindfold and noise of a barking dog (predator stress) at hourly intervals. This stress paradigm reduced LH pulse amplitude in ovariectomized ewes. In Experiment 2, ovariectomized ewes were artificially induced into estrus with progesterone and estradiol benzoate treatment and the layered stress paradigm was applied. LH was measured and sexual behavior was assessed using T-mazes and mating tests. Stress reduced pulsatile LH secretion, and also reduced attractivity and Proceptivity of ewes but had no effect on receptivity. In Experiment 3, ewes artificially induced into estrus were infused with cortisol for 30 h. Cortisol elevated circulating plasma concentrations of cortisol, delayed the onset of estrus and resulted in increased circling behavior of ewes (i.e. moderate avoidance) during estrus and increased investigation and courtship from rams. There was no effect of cortisol on attractivity, Proceptivity or receptivity during estrus. We conclude that psychosocial stress inhibits LH secretion, the ability of ewes to attract rams (attractivity) and the motivation of ewes to seek rams and initiate mating (Proceptivity), but cortisol is unlikely to be the principal mediator of these effects.