Sex chromosomes and brain gender

被引:265
作者
Arnold, AP
机构
[1] Univ Calif Los Angeles, Brain Res Inst, Dept Physiol Sci, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
[2] Univ Calif Los Angeles, Brain Res Inst, Neuroendocrinol Lab, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA
基金
美国国家卫生研究院;
关键词
D O I
10.1038/nrn1494
中图分类号
Q189 [神经科学];
学科分类号
071006 ;
摘要
In birds and mammals, differences in development between the sexes arise from the differential actions of genes that are encoded on the sex chromosomes. These genes are differentially represented in the cells of males and females, and have been selected for sex-specific roles. The brain is a sexually dimorphic organ and is also shaped by sex-specific selection pressures. Genes on the sex chromosomes probably determine the gender (sexually dimorphic phenotype) of the brain in two ways: by acting on the gonads to induce sex differences in levels of gonadal secretions that have sex-specific effects on the brain, and by acting in the brain itself to differentiate XX and XY brain cells.
引用
收藏
页码:701 / 708
页数:8
相关论文
共 110 条