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| Sociosexual Behavior in POMC-Deficient Mice |
| Kimberlyn Argyle, Zoe Thompson, Lauren Silvatti, Amber Hsieh. Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah, United States |
Proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) is a gene expressed primarily in the hypothalamus. A major product of this gene is alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone, which is involved in sexual behavior and appetite regulation. Pomc gene mutations result in a significant deficiency of expression. In humans, this causes hyperphagia and early onset obesity. These effects are also apparent in a mouse model of POMC-deficiency (POMCD). We are using this model to study the cause of infertility seen in POMCD mice. We are recording the sexual behavior interactions between POMCD males (M) and POMCD females (F), POMCD M & wild-type (WT) F, and POMCD F & WTM. Recordings are scored by an observer blind to genotype for relevant behaviors, including anogenital sniffing, grasping, mounting attempts, intromission and ejaculation. Preliminary findings suggest significant differences in the frequency and duration of critical sociosexual behaviors. These results will help us understand whether POMCD mice exhibit normal sexual behavior and how that may affect their overall reproductive success. These findings may also provide context for the relationship between Pomc expression and reproductive function in humans. |