Bisphenol A is found in a number of plastics. This exposure to neonatal male rats can impact adult sexual behaviors and demasculinize them in terms of emotional behavior.  

Rutgers University

There a number of possible environmental influences that can impact sexual differentiation from chemical composition of the environment to behaviors of other individuals, including: 

 • Neonatal exposure to bisphenol A

 • Development of the spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus

 • Traditional gender roles

Environmental Influences

Breedlove, S. & Watson, N. (2017). Behavioral neuroscience, eighth edition. Oxford University Press.

Behavioral Neuroscience 8th Edition

Neonatal Exposure of Bisphenol A

Newborn rats (pups) cannot urinate or defecate on their own until the mother elicits a spinal reflex by licking the anogenital region on each pup. However, the mother spends more time with the male pups. They use their scent of smell to distinguish androgen metabolites in the urine of pups. The stimulation masculinizes the spinal cord to allow more SNB cells to survive after birth. Females who are licked frequently, however, have increased estrogen and oxytocin sensitive in maternal associated brain regions making them more attentive mothers.

Development of the Spinal Nucleus of the Bulbocavernosus

In every culture, most adults raise boys and girls differently from birth. Starting with what color blanket to wrap them in and this continues into: clothing, toys, books, etc.. This social influence does have an effect on the developing brain and could also impact sexual behavior. 

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