ABSTRACT
Adult neurogenesis is a striking form of neural plasticity occurring in restricted regions of the mammalian brain. The past decades have witnessed tremendous research efforts in this field providing significant information regarding the anatomical, molecular, and functional mechanisms underlying neurogenesis in the adult brain. New neuron production regulates integrated brain functions, learning and memory, and adapts the brain to the changing world. Recent data in rodents indicates a link between adult neurogenesis and reproductive and social behavior. This provides the opportunity to unravel the function of this form of neural
13.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 367 13.2 Reproductive and Social Behavior Modulates Adult Neurogenesis ............. 369 13.3 Role of AOB Newborn Neurons in the Pheromonal Mating-Induced
Imprinting ..................................................................................................... 371 13.3.1 Olfactory Pregnancy Block in Mice ................................................. 371 13.3.2 Male Pheromones Affect Integration of Newborn Neurons in
the AOB of Adult Female Mice ........................................................ 372 13.3.3 AOB Newborn Neurons Are Functionally Recruited by
Individual Male Odors ...................................................................... 372 13.3.4 Molecules and Pathways Affecting Sensory-Driven Survival of
AOB Newborn Neurons .................................................................... 375 13.3.5 Functional Role of AOB Newborn Neurons ..................................... 376
13.4 Paced Mating and Neurogenesis in the AOB of Adult Rats ......................... 377 13.4.1 Mating Behavior in Rats ................................................................... 377 13.4.2 Female Sexual Behavior and Neurogenesis ...................................... 378 13.4.3 Male Sexual Behavior and Neurogenesis ......................................... 381 13.4.4 Opioids and Neurogenesis ................................................................ 382
13.5 Concluding Remarks .................................................................................... 382 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................. 383 References .............................................................................................................. 383
plasticity in ethologically relevant contexts and opens new perspectives to explore how the brain processes social stimuli. In this chapter we will summarize some of the major key points regarding the cues and mechanisms modulating adult neurogenesis during social interaction and possible role/s played by newborn neurons in this context. To achieve this goal we will give an overview of past and ongoing literature showing this link, with particular emphasis on our recent studies on two examples of sexual behavior: mate pheromonal imprinting in female mice, and paced mating in rats.
