From studies in animals, we have learned that differences in sexual behaviour between males and females reflect anatomical and biochemical differences between the male and female brain. A masculine behaviour (and therefore a masculine brain) results from the biological effect on the developing brain exerted by testosterone, which is secreted by the gonads and aromatized into oestrogens in the brain. However, congenital disorders of the androgen as well as oestrogen signalling in human males have failed to show any appreciable derangement in sexual behaviour. Based on other evidence in animals, sexual differences in brain (and behaviour) are not hormonally triggered but genetically determined. This other theory states that sexual behaviour is determined by the chromosomal sex existing in cells, including brain cells. A number of excitatory and inhibitory signals modulate the activity of certain brain structures. Scientists have begun to test some of these chemicals or their synthetic analogues/antagonists in humans.

Central hormonal regulation and dimorphism of arousal.

BENVENGA, Salvatore
2005-01-01

Abstract

From studies in animals, we have learned that differences in sexual behaviour between males and females reflect anatomical and biochemical differences between the male and female brain. A masculine behaviour (and therefore a masculine brain) results from the biological effect on the developing brain exerted by testosterone, which is secreted by the gonads and aromatized into oestrogens in the brain. However, congenital disorders of the androgen as well as oestrogen signalling in human males have failed to show any appreciable derangement in sexual behaviour. Based on other evidence in animals, sexual differences in brain (and behaviour) are not hormonally triggered but genetically determined. This other theory states that sexual behaviour is determined by the chromosomal sex existing in cells, including brain cells. A number of excitatory and inhibitory signals modulate the activity of certain brain structures. Scientists have begun to test some of these chemicals or their synthetic analogues/antagonists in humans.
2005
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11570/1429959
 Attenzione

Attenzione! I dati visualizzati non sono stati sottoposti a validazione da parte dell'ateneo

Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 0
  • Scopus 3
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 4
social impact