Roslyn Holly Fitch (1995) Studying the Complexity of Sexual Differentiation
. Psycoloquy: 6(25) Sex Brain (5)
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Psycoloquy 6(25): Studying the Complexity of Sexual Differentiation
STUDYING THE COMPLEXITY OF SEXUAL DIFFERENTIATION
Reply to Forgie on Fitch & Denenberg on Sex-Brain
Roslyn Holly Fitch
Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience
Rutgers University
197 University Ave.
Newark, NJ 07102
Victor H. Denenberg
Biobehavioral Sciences Graduate Degree Program
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT 06269-4154
holly@axon.rutgers.edu
dberg@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Abstract
Forgie (1995) notes the complexity of the feminization
process, and suggests that Fitch and Denenberg (1995) take a narrow
view in presenting data concerning the role of ovarian hormones in
development of the female brain. While recognizing the importance
of a comprehensive view towards sexual differentiation, we note
that: (1) a researcher may focus on a delineated dataset without
asserting, by default, that other factors are unimportant; (2) our
target article encompasses references which specifically expand the
definition of feminization (e.g., to include cyclic ovarian effects
on neurochemistry and neurophysiology) and; (3) our findings are
not inconsistent with data she presents.
Keywords
corpus callosum, development, estrogen, feminization,
ovaries, sensitive period.
References
- Becker, J.B. & Cha, J. (1989) Estrous-cycle variation in amphetamine induced behaviors and striatal dopamine release assessed with microdialysis. Behavioral Brain Research 35: 117-125.
- Fitch, R.H., Cowell, P.E., Schrott, L.M. & Denenberg, V.H. (1991a) Corpus callosum: perinatal anti-androgen and callosal demasculinization. International Journal of Developmental Neuroscience 9: 35-38.
- Fitch, R.H., Cowell, P.E., Schrott, L.M. & Denenberg, V.H. (1991b) Corpus callosum: ovarian hormones and feminization. Brain Research 542: 313-317.
- Fitch, R. H. & Denenberg, V.H. (1995) A Role for Ovarian Hormones in Sexual Differentiation of the Brain. PSYCOLOQUY 6(5) sex-brain.1.fitch.
- Forgie, M.L. (1995) Are Ovarian Secretions All That Females "Need"? PSYCOLOQUY 6(5) sex-brain.3.forgie.
- Forgie, M.L. & Stewart, J. (1994) Effect of prepubertal ovariectomy on amphetamine-induced locomotion in adult female rats. Hormones and Behavior 28: 241-260.
- Forgie, M.L. & Stewart, J. (1993) Sex differences in amphetamine- induced locomotor activity in adult rats: Role of testosterone exposure in the neonatal period. Pharmacology Biochemistry & Behavior 46: 637-645.
- Mack, C.M., Fitch, R.H., Cowell, P.E., Schrott, L.M. & Denenberg, V.H. (1993) Ovarian estrogen acts to feminize the rat's corpus callosum. Developmental Brain Research 71: 115-119.