Bogen forklarer, hvordan hormoner tidligt i livet former hjernen forskelligt hos mænd og kvinder. Testosteron og østrogen påvirker hjernens udvikling, hvilket giver forskelle i adfærd og tænkning. Forskning på dyr viser dette, og det kan også gælde mennesker. Genetik og miljø spiller også en rolle.
Titel på undersøgelse:
Sexual Differentiation of the Brain: Effects of Androgen and Estrogen on Behavior.
| |
Hele abstrakt på originalsprog:
“Sexual Differentiation of the Brain,” edited by Akira Matsumoto and published by MIT Press in 2000, explores the mechanisms behind sex differences in brain structure and function. Based on a 1997 Tokyo symposium, this volume compiles research from global experts on how gonadal steroids influence neural development in mammals, particularly rodents. It delves into the molecular, cellular, and neuroanatomical processes driving sexual dimorphism, emphasizing steroid hormone roles during critical developmental periods. Key topics include steroid receptor regulation, gene expression, neuronal circuitry, and behavioral outcomes like reproduction and aggression. The book highlights how testosterone and estrogen shape brain regions such as the hypothalamus and amygdala, with lasting effects from prenatal and neonatal stages. It also addresses plasticity, neurotransmitter systems, and clinical implications, such as hormone-related disorders. Rich with experimental data, figures, and references, this 344-page work targets neuroscientists, endocrinologists, and developmental biologists. While focused on animal models, it lays foundational insights for understanding human brain differentiation, making it a valuable resource for studying sex-specific neural and behavioral traits. Available in hardcover, it remains a significant contribution to neuroscience and endocrinology.