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Dopaminergic Activation of Estrogen Receptors in Neonatal Brain Alters Progestin Receptor Expression and Juvenile Social Play Behavior

Departments of Psychology (K.M.O., H.M.J., A.P.A.) and Zoology (C.J.A.), University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Anthony P. Auger, Psychology Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1202 West Johnson Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53706. E-mail: apauger{at}wisc.edu.

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.

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