Abstract
NEUROANATOMICAL networks within the preoptic-hypothalamic continuum of the avian brain contain neurones that are androgen-sensitive1 and involved in the control of precocial copulation2. In autoradiographic studies of the male chick brain, one of us (C.C.M.) has found midbrain structures, nucleus intercollicularis (ICo) and nucleus isthmo-opticus (IO) that concentrate radioactive testosterone or its metabolites. Neither of these structures has been implicated in the expression of sexual behaviour. Rather, there is evidence that both are involved in visual responsiveness that is not specifically associated with sexual behaviour. We wish to present the autoradiographic findings and relate them to the existing evidence of the functions of these two nuclei and testosterone in visual attention.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Meyer, C. C., Science, 180, 1381–3 (1973).
Meyer, C. C., Hormone Behav., 5, 377–381 (1974).
Meyer, C. C., and Meyer, O. N., Physiol. Behav., 11, 265–67 (1973).
Zigmond, R. E., Nottebohm, F., and Pfaff, D. W., Science, 179, 1005–7 (1973).
Andrew, R. J., in Neural and Endocrine Aspects of Behaviour in Birds (edit. by Wright, P. Caryl, P. G. and Vowles, D. M.), 275–304 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1975).
Andrew, R. J., and de Lanerolle, N., Brain Behav. Evol., 10, 377–399 (1974).
Andrew, R. J., Adv. Study Behav., 4, 175–208 (1972).
Andrew, R. J., Anim. Behav., 23, 139–155, 156–160, 169–178 (1975).
Zeier, H., and Karten, H. J., Brain Res., 31, 313–326 (1971).
Andrew, R. J., J. comp. Physiol. Psychol., 56, 933–940 (1963).
Salzen, E. A., and Parker, D. M., in Neural and Endocrine Aspects of Behaviour in Birds (edit. by Wright, P. Caryl, P. G. and Vowles, D. M.), 205–242 (Elsevier, Amsterdam, 1975).
Andrew, R. J., Brain Behav. Evol., 10, 400–424 (1974).
Miles, F. A., Brain Res., 48, 115–129, 131–145 (1972).
Rogers, L. J., and Miles, F. A., Brain Res., 48, 147–156 (1972).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
MEYER, C., PARKER, D. & SALZEN, E. Androgen-sensitive midbrain sites and visual attention in chicks. Nature 259, 689–690 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1038/259689a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/259689a0
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
