Programmed for Preference: The Biology of Same-Sex Attraction in Rams.
- Resource Type
- Academic Journal
- Authors
- Roselli CE; Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239-3098, USA. Electronic address: rosellic@ohsu.edu.
- Source
- Publisher: Pergamon Press Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 7806090 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1873-7528 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 01497634 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Neurosci Biobehav Rev Subsets: MEDLINE
- Subject
- Language
- English
The sheep is a valuable model to test whether hormone mechanisms that sexually differentiate the brain underlie the expression of sexual partner preferences because as many as 8% of rams prefer same-sex partners. This review presents an overview and update of the experimental evidence that supports this hypothesis. New evidence is presented that demonstrates a critical role for kisspeptin-GnRH signaling for regulating stable fetal testosterone levels necessary for masculinization of brain and behavior. Although these studies provide substantial support for the idea that prenatal hormones program sexual preferences, further experimentation is needed to establish causality.
Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The author has nothing to disclose.
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