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At least 217 records · Page 12Linked to original sources
PubMed2002

Masculinization effects in the auditory system.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) are different in several special populations of subjects. For females having opposite-sex co-twins (OSDZ females) and for homosexual and bisexual females, OAEs are masculinized. Certain AEP measures from homosexual and bisexual females also are masculinized. Certain AEP measures from homosexual males are hypermasculinized. These and other facts can be explained by assuming that these special populations received greater-than-normal exposures to androgens at some point(s) during development, possibly during prenatal development. It is proposed that some differences in androgenization may have been spatially and temporally localized rather than global, and that the localized response to androgen exposure sometimes may be nonmonotonic.

Androgens↗
PubMed1991

Role of femininity and masculinity in distressed couples' communication.

The relationship between sex role identity and marital communication of maritally distressed couples was examined. Interactional behavior of 60 maritally distressed couples was coded with the Marital Interaction Coding System and examined in relation to the level of femininity and masculinity of the spouses. Base-rate analyses indicated that femininity was positively related to greater rates of negative behavior among husbands and wives. As predicted, sequential analyses supported that wives' femininity was associated with greater negative reciprocity of the wives. Men's femininity was associated with husbands' tendency to terminate fewer negative sequences of behavior in comparison with their wives. High masculinity of the wives was associated with shorter sequences of negative behavior. Implications of the findings and future directions for research are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Power in stereotypically masculine domains: a Social Influence Strategy X Stereotype Match model.

This work examines the hypothesis that stereotypes of groups to which low-power people belong should influence the perceptions and behavior of powerful people only when those stereotypes are both contextually relevant (e.g., women in masculine domains) and provide information of relevance given powerful people's beliefs about the relation between subordinates and goal attainment. Findings across two studies supported predictions. In a masculine domain, when high-power men were attentive to subordinate weaknesses that may produce thwarts to goal attainment, stereotypes of women defined the contextually relevant shortcomings of women, and stereotype-consistent high-power behaviors ensued. In contrast, when powerful men were attentive to subordinate strengths that may enhance goal strivings, stereotypes of women were uninformative (i.e., did not contain information about relevant strengths); female and male employees were responded to and, in turn, performed and reacted similarly. The implications of these findings for theorizing on the relation between power and stereotyping are discussed.

Achievement↗
PubMed2005

Sex differences in righting from supine to prone in rats (Rattus norvegicus): a masculinized skeletomusculature is not required.

Previous research has shown that sex differences exist in the composition of lateral movements (E. F. Field, I. Q. Whishaw, & S. M. Pellis, 1996, 1997a, 1997b; see also records 1996-06132-009, 1997-05322-015, and 1997-04722-005). An unresolved question is whether sex differences are present in other movements, such as rotation around the longitudinal axis, and whether this difference is dependent on a feminine or masculine skeletomusculature. Female rats (Rattus norvegicus) first rotate their forequarters and then their hindquarters in the same direction. Male rats exhibit rotation of the hindquarters counter to the direction of forequarter rotation. Males with the testicular feminized mutation, who have a feminized skeletomusculature and masculinized central nervous system, are similar to male controls. This study provides evidence that sex differences in movement integration are not restricted to the lateral plane, are not solely due to sex differences in skeletomusculature, and thus are likely mediated by the central nervous system.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Masculinity and gender roles among Puerto Rican men: machismo on the U.S. mainland.

The literature on masculinity and gender roles in American life has mostly over-looked Latino men, or has stereotyped them by means of a distorted concept of machismo. A reconceptualization of masculinity and machismo among Puerto Rican men is presented, based on a multidimensional view of their historical and current sociocultural reality. Relevant clinical and social services for Puerto Rican men are discussed and directions for future research are suggested.

Acculturation↗
PubMed2006

Alpha-fetoprotein protects the developing female mouse brain from masculinization and defeminization by estrogens.

Two clearly opposing views exist on the function of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), a fetal plasma protein that binds estrogens with high affinity, in the sexual differentiation of the rodent brain. AFP has been proposed to either prevent the entry of estrogens or to actively transport estrogens into the developing female brain. The availability of Afp mutant mice (Afp(-/-)) now finally allows us to resolve this longstanding controversy concerning the role of AFP in brain sexual differentiation, and thus to determine whether prenatal estrogens contribute to the development of the female brain. Here we show that the brain and behavior of female Afp(-/-) mice were masculinized and defeminized. However, when estrogen production was blocked by embryonic treatment with the aromatase inhibitor 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione, the feminine phenotype of these mice was rescued. These results clearly demonstrate that prenatal estrogens masculinize and defeminize the brain and that AFP protects the female brain from these effects of estrogens.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Participation of 5-HT(1B) receptors in the inhibitory actions of serotonin on masculine sexual behaviour of mice: pharmacological analysis in 5-HT(1B) receptor knockout mice.

1 The role of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine(1B) (5-HT(1B)) receptor subtype in masculine sexual behaviour in mice was analysed in both 5-HT(1B) receptor knockout (KO(1B)) and wild-type (WT) animals. 2 Comparison of male copulatory behaviour of WT and KO(1B) strains revealed that KO(1B) mice become interested earlier in sexual behaviour, but require more stimulation to achieve ejaculation than its corresponding WT strain. 3 The pharmacological manipulation of male sexual activity in the WT strain showed that the serotonin precursor 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the 5-HT(1B) agonist (1-(m-trifluoromethylphenyl) piperazine (TFMPP) and the 5-Hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino-tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) all inhibited male copulatory behaviour in mice. 4 In KO(1B) mice, TFMPP lacked an effect, 5-HTP exerted a mild inhibitory effect while 8-OH-DPAT provoked only a tendency towards a reduction in the percentage of animals that achieved ejaculation. In general, KO(1B) mice were less sensitive to the inhibitory actions of 5-HTP and 8-OH-DPAT than the WT strain. 5 Based on these results, we can suggest that serotonin plays a general inhibitory role in the sexual behaviour of male mice and that both 5-HT(1B) and 5-HT(1A) receptor subtypes participate in the inhibitory actions of this neurotransmitter. 6 The absence of the 5-HT(1B) receptor subtype affected both components of mouse masculine sexual behaviour, motivation and execution, further confirming the involvement of this receptor subtype in the control of this behaviour. In addition, the diminished sensitivity to serotonergic stimulation exhibited by KO(1B) mice suggests the occurrence of compensatory changes as a consequence of the absence of the 5-HT(1B) receptor subtype.

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗
PubMed1991

Masculinization of female isopods (Crustacea) correlated with non-Mendelian inheritance of cytoplasmic viruses.

When in genetic females external male characters differentiate, the phenomenon is called "male pseudohermaphroditism." This male differentiation occurs in terrestrial isopods (Crustacea, suborder Oniscoidea) and sometimes involves only some epithelial areas (gynandromorphous mosaics). It is not induced by male hormones or by abnormal ovary function. This intersexuality is transmitted maternally (by the intersex females) or paternally (by the brothers of intersex females) to between 30% and 60% of their offspring. Although it occurs at 20 degrees C, the male differentiation disappears when breeding takes place at 27 degrees C. Male characters differentiate in normal females--even in other Oniscoidea species (Porcellio dilatatus, Porcellio laevis, Armadillidium vulgare)--after injection of a 0.22-micron filtered tissue extract. Since an inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis (gentamycin) does not inhibit this masculinizing effect, we infer that neither organelles nor bacteria are involved. Intersexuality is always correlated with the presence of cytoplasmic viral particles in both intersex-female and transmitter-male tissues. Striking similarities to the Drosophila S virus are noted. A reovirus-like Oniscoidea masculinizing virus, which probably acts only on the epithelial areas sensitive to the male hormones, is most likely the causative agent of this intersexuality. Here we report the conversion of secondary sexual characters putatively caused by a virus.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1993

A masculinizing effect on the auditory systems of human females having male co-twins.

Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) are continuous, essentially tonal sounds that are produced by many normal-hearing cochleas. In humans, females generally exhibit more SOAEs than males, a sex difference that exists from birth. However, it is shown here that females having male co-twins [opposite-sex dizygotic (OSDZ) females] exhibit about half the average number of SOAEs per ear observed in same-sex female twins or female non-twins. Indeed, the average in OSDZ females is about the same as that seen in males--twins or non-twins. The explanation offered here is that prenatal exposure to high levels of androgens has produced a masculinizing effect on the auditory systems of these OSDZ females. Prenatal masculinizing effects have long been recognized in certain litter-bearing mammals, but their existence in humans is not well-studied.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1997

Masculinity, femininity, and Hispanic professional men's self-esteem and self-acceptance.

Research suggests that in the United States, Hispanic professional women's self-esteem is affected by their unique challenge of balancing U.S. majority cultural values with their own, more family-oriented ethnic values. In the present study, the effect of this ethnic minority/majority cultural differential on U.S. Hispanic men's self-esteem was investigated. Differences in self-esteem, self-acceptance, masculinity, and femininity among U.S. Hispanic professional men, non-Hispanic professionals, scientists, college students, and clients seeking counseling were examined. Masculinity scores were significantly higher for Hispanic professional men than for all other groups of men, and self-acceptance scores were significantly lower for Hispanic professional men that for non-Hispanic professionals and students.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1993

Conflict between feminizing sex ratio distorters and an autosomal masculinizing gene in the terrestrial isopod Armadillidium vulgare Latr.

Female sex determination in the pill bug Armadillidium vulgare is frequently under the control of feminizing parasitic sex factors (PSF). One of these PSF is an intracytoplasmic Wolbachia-like bacterium (F), while the other (f) is suspected of being an F-bacterial DNA sequence unstably integrated into the host genome. In most wild populations harboring PSF, all individuals are genetic males (ZZ), and female phenotypes occur only due to the presence of PSF which overrides the male determinant carried by the Z chromosome (females are thus ZZ +F or ZZ +f neo-females). Here we report the effects of the conflict between these PSF and a dominant autosomal masculinizing gene (M) on phenotypes. The M gene is able to override the feminizing effect of the f sex factor and, consequently, male sex may be restored. However, M is unable to restore male sex when competing with the F bacteria. It seems that the main effect of M is to delay the expression of F bacteria slightly, inducing intersex phenotypes. Most of these intersexes are functional females, able to transmit the masculinizing gene. The frequency of M and its effects on the sex ratio in wild populations are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Masculinization mechanism of hybrids in bitterlings (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).

The sex ratio of bitterling hybrids (subfamily: Acheilognathinae) is often likely to be biased toward males. Artificial hybridization was carried out in 10 species of bitterlings (three genera) in order to elucidate the masculinization mechanism of hybrids. Tanakia himantegus never produced viable F1 hybrids with other species, while hybrids of most other species were viable. In terms of sex ratio and fertility, hybrids were clearly divided into two groups: congeneric Tanakia hybrids and others. Both male and female congeneric Tanakia hybrids were fertile. The sex ratio was nearly 1:1 in all groups of Tanakia hybrids. Except for the congeneric Tanakia hybrids, sterile males appeared predominantly in groups of hybrids in which females were very rare but remained fertile. Sterile intersexes were also observed in five hybrid groups: T. lanceolata (female) x Acheilognathus cyanostigma (male), Rhodeus uyekii (female) x T. lanceolata (male), A. rhombeus (female) x T. lanceolata (male), A. rhombeus (female) x T. limbata (male), and A. tabira tabira (female) x A. cyanostigma (male). In the development of male-predominant hybrids, although hybrid and control (parental species) hatching and survival rates do not differ, no females appeared in hybrids, contrary to the controls. Taking the female heterogametic sex-determining system (ZW) and the phylogenetic relationship of bitterlings into consideration, the masculinization mechanism of hybrids in bitterlings can be explained by the interaction of two sex chromosomes, derived from each parental species. The basic genetic sex in bitterlings is male (ZZ) and the derivative is female (ZW). When parental species are related, the sex phenotype of hybrids coincides with the genetic sex. However, when the parental species differ, the sex phenotype of the ZW genotype is reversed to become male by an abnormal interaction between the Z and W chromosomes. The rare appearance of females and intersexes in male-predominant hybrids might be due to complete or partial functional expression of the W chromosome.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

SRY-negative 46,XX male with normal genitals, complete masculinization and infertility.

XX maleness is a rare syndrome with a frequency of 1 in 20,000-25,000 males. XX males exist in different clinical categories with ambiguous genitalia or partially to fully mature male genitalia, in combination with complete or incomplete masculinization. In this study, we report a case of SRY-negative XX male with complete masculinization but infertility. The patient had fully mature male genitalia with descended but small testes and no signs of undervirilization. PCR analysis for SRY, ZFY, Amelogenin, AZFa, AZFb, AZFc genes, a pair of primers from heterochromatic region and six Y-STRs showed the absence of any Y-chromosome-derived material. Absence of SRY gene was confirmed by three independent PCRs for each of two sets of primers covering an increasing length of the gene. Sequence analysis of the coding regions of SOX9 and DAX1 genes did not reveal any mutation. Real-time PCR assay revealed normal copy number for SOX9 gene. Microsatellite analysis showed no evidence of 17q (SOX9 gene) or 22q duplication. Genotyping with X-STRs ruled out the possibility of any deletion on X chromosome. Development of the male phenotype in the absence of SRY probably resulted from the loss of function mutation in some unknown sex-determining gene, which normally inhibits the male pathway, or from a gain of function mutation in a gene downstream to SRY in male pathway.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Strength and anthropometric measures in identical and fraternal twins: no evidence of masculinization of females with male co-twins.

Sharing of intrauterine environment in twins of opposite sex has been hypothesized to result in masculinization of the female twin. We tested this hypothesis by comparing strength (maximum hand-grip pressure) and various anthropometric measures in a newly established survey panel comprising 4,314 middle-aged twins identified through a Danish population-based twin registry. Sex- and zygosity-specific mean values of handgrip strength, height, weight, body mass index, and waist circumference were highly comparable between fraternal twins of opposite sex and fraternal twins of same sex. Our results provide no support for the hypothesis of masculinization of female twins from opposite sex twin pairs.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2004

How well does second-to-fourth-digit ratio in hands correlate with other indications of masculinity in males?

Low second-to-fourth-digit (2D:4D) ratios in hands have previously been used as a proxy for prenatal testosterone levels. Moreover, it has recently been suggested that prenatal testosterone levels may direct future masculinization. If true, 2D:4D ratios should negatively correlate with traits in males that are developed and maintained by testosterone at puberty such as facial and body masculinity and testes volume. We failed to find significant correlations between 2D:4D ratios and these traits.

Body Weights and Measures↗
PubMed1979

Male-pattern alopecia and masculinity.

Cutaneous processes which are thought to be influenced by androgenic stimulation include the development of male-pattern alopecia, terminal hair distribution, sebum excretion rate, maximal sweat secretion rate and skin thickness. We measured these indices in forty-eight normal men, together with muscle, fat and bone thickness and plasma testosterone. There was a significant correlation between hair density on the forearm, leg and chest, but no other significant correlations were found. We conclude that bald men are no more 'masculine' than those with good scalp hair growth, if masculinity is defined in terms of end-organ response to androgenic stimulation.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Psychological masculinity-femininity via the gender diagnosticity approach: heritability and consistency across ages and populations.

Several aspects of the Gender Diagnosticity (GD) approach of Lippa (1995) to measuring the psychological trait of masculinity-femininity within sexes were explored in four samples ranging from 363 to 5,859 individuals, including Swedish and Australian adults, U.S. elderly, and Australian adolescents. Two ways of deriving GD scales yielded highly similar results. Moderate stability of individual differences was found across ages 12 to 16 among adolescents, but substantial shifts over age occurred in relationships with Eysenck scales. Considerable generality of GD scales was obtained across languages and populations. Substantial heritabilities (about 40%) and minimal effects of shared family environments suggest that within-sex masculinity-femininity behaves as a fairly typical personality trait. Cross-age continuity appeared mainly to reflect the influence of the genes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

"I've been like a coiled spring this last week": embodied masculinity and health.

This paper draws on research exploring lay men's and community health professionals' attitudes towards 'masculinity' and 'preventative health care' conducted in the northwest of England. It is specifically concerned with the findings from the men's narratives that relate to male embodiment and the relevance of this to health and wellbeing. Whilst there is a burgeoning interest in the 'sociology of the body' it is only relatively recently that debates about embodiment have been supported by empirical research. Empirical work on male embodiment remains minimal and even less work has been done in considering the links between masculinity, embodiment and health. A series of focus groups and interviews were conducted with men that captured narratives about the lived (male) body in everyday life and its relation to health. These data allowed for greater insight into Watson's (2000) previous empirical work on the 'male body schema'. Current findings presented here suggest that male bodies need to be considered as both material and representational, and that these two modes are not distinct but continually interact, with each other and with men's conceptualisations of health, to influence health practices and wider social interactions that impact on health and wellbeing.

Adult↗