Males (right) show denser AVP fiber development than females (left) in the lateral septum (LS).

State University of New York at Buffalo

1. Studies indicate that the development of AVP pathways occurs in the lateral septum (LS) and lateral habenula (LH)
2. Males show a higher density of AVP fiber development
3. AVP Fiber development generally begins around P12 & P14.

Ontogeny of AVP Pathways

De Vries GJ, Panzica GC. Sexual differentiation of central vasopressin and vasotocin systems in vertebrates: different mechanisms, similar endpoints. Neuroscience. 2006;138(3):947-55. doi: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2005.07.050. Epub 2005 Nov 28. PMID: 16310321; PMCID: PMC1457099.


Sexual differentiation of central vasopressin and vasotocin systems in vertebrates

Sexual differences in AVP fiber density

However, as fiber development is observed as early as P14 in the LS and LH in rat models where puberty generally kicks in at P30-42, it is safe to assume that the gonadal steroid levels may not have an impact on the AVP- fiber development.

AVP development is puberty-independent

The development of the Bed Nucleus Stria Terminalis (BNST) and Medial Amygdala (MeA) associated social behavior pathway might be triggered by increased gonadal steroid hormone levels during puberty.

Learn Before

Related