Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Femininity”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1985

Increased estrogen receptor binding in amygdala correlates with facilitation of feminine sexual behavior induced by olfactory bulbectomy.

In this experiment we tested the hypothesis that the potentiation of feminine sexual behavior following olfactory bulb removal in female rats would be associated with increased ovarian steroid receptor binding in brain. Ovariectomized adult female rats underwent either bilateral olfactory bulb removal (BOB) or a sham operation and were exposed to 100% estradiol (E2) in silastic capsules for 4 or 6 h. Following behavior testing, either cell nuclear estrogen receptor levels were measured in amygdala, hypothalamus, preoptic area and pituitary, or cytosol progestin receptors levels were determined in cortex, preoptic area and hypothalamus. After 6 h E2 exposure, BOB females showed increasing lordosis responding with increasing progesterone (P) doses, at levels significantly higher than those of sham-operated rats. After 4 h E2 exposure bulbectomized rats showed both a facilitation of lordosis and elevated estrogen receptor levels in amygdala. Sham-operates showed neither response to the 4 h E2 stimulus. For both BOB and sham groups, progestin receptors were induced after 6 h E2 exposure, but were uninduced after 4 h E2 exposure. Additional rats were exposed to 5% E2 for 24 or 48 h, followed by P. Lordosis was potentiated in BOB rats at 24 h; sham-operates showed high levels of lordosis only after 48 h of 5% E2 exposure. Proceptivity was enhanced in BOB rats after both 24 and 48 h of 5% E2 exposure. In contrast, proceptivity was rarely observed in sham-operates, or in either group after 4 or 6 h E2 exposure. We propose that increased estrogen receptor binding in the amygdala may provide a biochemical basis for the increased estrogen sensitivity found in olfactory bulbectomized female rats.

Amygdala↗
PubMed1986

Cholinergic mediation of feminine sexual receptivity: demonstration of progesterone independence using a progestin receptor antagonist.

Feminine sexual receptivity can be elicited by the intracerebral administration of muscarinic cholinergic substances in ovariectomized female rats treated with small amounts of estrogen. These experiments were designed to investigate whether this facilitative cholinergic mechanism is dependent upon progesterone. In the first experiment, estrogen-primed animals were injected with RU 38486, a progestin receptor antagonist, 1 h before progesterone or vehicle injection. Injection of RU and progesterone on Day 1 of testing produced animals which were sexually unreceptive. Furthermore, injection of the antagonist without concomitant progesterone produced animals which were unresponsive to progesterone given 24 h later. Thus, RU 38486 itself may be binding to progestin receptors in critical brain regions, preventing progesterone from binding to these same receptors. In Experiment 2, animals made sexually unreceptive by treatment with RU 38486 subsequently became receptive when injected intracerebrally with oxotremorine, a muscarinic agonist. Therefore, activation of progestin receptors does not appear necessary for the cholinergic mediation of sexual receptivity. As in Experiment 1, animals receiving progesterone on Day 1 showed a diminished response to a second progesterone injection 24 h later; an even greater decrease in this response was observed in animals that also received the antagonist on Day 1.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Facilitory effects of male urine on feminine behavior in the male rat: androgen-dependency.

Feminine behavior in the male rat can be enhanced by exposing ORCH animals primed with estradiol benzoate and progesterone to the odor of urine collected from intact male adult congeners [20]. The present study provides evidence that this pheromonal effect is androgen dependent. A higher proportion of ORCH feminized rats displayed lordosis behavior following exposure to the odor of urine for either intact male rats or from ORCH rats supplemented with testosterone propionate than did ORCH feminized rats exposed to the odor of urine originating from non injected ORCH males.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Effect of prenatal exposure to aromatase inhibitor, testosterone, or antiandrogen on the development of feminine sexual behavior in ferrets of both sexes.

Experiments were conducted to assess the role of prenatal exposure of the brain to estrogen in controlling the development of proceptive and receptive feminine sexual behavior in ferrets of both sexes. Female ferrets, deprived prenatally of estrogen via maternal ovariectomy on gestational day 30 (42-day gestation) plus SC implantation of an aromatase inhibitor, 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD), into their mothers, were significantly less receptive than control females when tested in adulthood after ovariectomy and administration of low (5 and 10 micrograms/kg) dosages of estradiol benzoate (EB). However, they were no less receptive than control females in response to a high (15 micrograms/kg) dosage of EB. Estrogen-deprived females showed EB-induced reductions in approach latencies to a stud male (proceptive responses) which were equivalent to those of control females. These results suggest that estrogenic stimulation of the female brain during fetal development enhances later receptive responsiveness to estradiol. However, prenatal estrogen appears not to be an absolute requirement for the development of receptive or proceptive coital capacity in females. In a previous study castrated male ferrets failed to show EB-induced reductions in the latency to approach a sexually active male, indicating that they were proceptively defeminized. In the present study females exposed prenatally to exogenous testosterone also failed to display significant EB-induced reductions in approach latencies to a sexually active male. Males deprived prenatally of estrogen ran faster to a stud male after adult administration of increasing dosages of EB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androstatrienes↗
PubMed1976

Monoaminergic mediation of masculine and feminine copulatory behavior in female rats.

Ovariectomized rats treated with testosterone propionate (TP; 100 mug/kg X 6 days) and para-chlorophenylalanine (pCPA; 100 mg/kg X 3 days), a serotonin synthesis inhibitor, showed more masculine copulatory behavior (including the ejaculatory pattern) than did females receiving either TP or pCPA alone. The facilitatory effect of pCPA on the masculine copulatory behavior in females was not potentiated by pargyline (50 or 100 mg/kg), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor; instead, pargyline antagonized the effect of pCPA. Apomorphine (100 mug/kg), a dopamine receptor stimulant, did not increase masculine copulatory behavior in TP treated females. Adopaminergic facilitatory effect was therefore not demonstrated. These results suggest a serotonin-mediated inhibition of masculine copulatory behavior in female rats. When feminine copulatory behavior was tested, females receiving TP plus pCPA plus pargyline, TP plus pargyline, or TP plus apomorphine displayed lordosis in response to mounting by male rats. Lordosis did not occur after administration of TP, PCPA, or pargyline, individually or in any other combination. The responses in pargyline groups are consistent with the hypothesis of a noradrenergic facilitatory system for lordotic behavior. The responses in the apomorphine group are discussed in terms of a possible role for low level dopaminergic stimulation in facilitating lordosis.

Adrenal Glands↗
PubMed1986

Roles, careers and femininity in biomedicine: women physicians and nurses in Japan.

This paper explores the relationship between gender and work roles in Japan by comparing women physicians and nurses. After reviewing women's roles and definitions of femininity in Japan, contrasts are described in socioeconomic background, educational levels, career patterns and patient perceptions. Despite these contrasts, neither women physicians nor nurses are likely to reject the sociocultural expectations of Japanese women and most define their role as housewife/mother as their first priority. This preserves male dominance of the biomedical system by reinforcing both the subordinate status of nursing as a profession and the woman physician's lack of power in the medical system.

Career Choice↗
PubMed1995

Effect of specimen storage, antibiotics, and feminine hygiene products on the detection of group B Streptococcus by culture and the STREP B OIA test.

Agar culture from vaginal swabs is the routine method for diagnosis of maternal Group B Streptococcus (GBS) colonization. Swab specimens are often transported to a clinical laboratory for processing. In these studies, specimen transport was simulated by inoculating swabs with GBS and storing them at selected temperatures and with or without transport medium. The recovery of viable GBS was assessed by agar culture. GBS antigen was detected immunologically with an Optical ImmunoAssay (OIA) method. Swabs that were stored with transport medium harbored viable but rapidly declining numbers of GBS. In contrast, a strong OIA signal was maintained. Recovery of viable GBS organisms declined more quickly when swabs were stored in the absence of transport medium, whereas detection of GBS antigen remained consistent. Both methods were tested for interference from either antibiotics or feminine hygiene products. These compounds inhibited the detection of GBS by culture but had no detrimental effect on the OIA result.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2005

Organotypic human vaginal-ectocervical tissue model for irritation studies of spermicides, microbicides, and feminine-care products.

A three-dimensional organotypic vaginal-ectocervical (VEC) tissue model has been developed to test the irritation of topically applied spermicides, microbicides, and vaginal-care products. The in vitro tissue model was reconstructed using normal VEC epithelial cells and is well stratified, containing differentiated basal, suprabasal, intermediate, and superficial cell layers similar to in vivo tissue. The intermediate and superficial cell layers contain glycogen, and the expression of cytokeratins 13 and 14 in the tissue also parallels that of native tissue. The MTT viability assay and histological assessment were used to test inter-lot and intra-lot reproducibility. The MTT average intra-lot coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 10% and the time required to reduce tissue viability by 50% (ET-50) following application of 1% Triton X-100 averaged 1.25+/-0.24h (n=23) upon completion of the 11-day culture period and 1.30 h+/- 0.19 for the same tissues stored overnight at 4 degrees C on agarose gels. The utility of the VEC model for irritation studies was examined by testing commercially available products using the MTT assay and histological assessment. The average ET-50 values ranged between 1.8 and 2.7h for feminine washes, 3.9-6.7 h for spermicides, 6.8-18 h for anti-itch creams, and >18 h for douches, lubricants, and anti-fungal creams. Studies of cytokines released from VEC cultures following product application showed that elevated concentrations of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta were associated with toxicity of test materials. In conclusion, the VEC tissue model is a highly reproducible, non-animal means to assess the irritation of contraceptives, microbicides, and vaginal-care products.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Higher levels of state depression in masculine than in feminine nations.

Studies using identical measures have identified different levels of depression in different countries or cultures. Until now, however, explanations for such differences, other than methodological ones, have not been empirically addressed. It was hypothesized and found that soft or feminine nations in which both women and men are offered equal opportunities for the fulfillment of multiple social roles that are associated with good self-rated health would score significantly lower on national depression levels than tough or masculine societies in which such opportunities exist to a clearly lesser extent. Analyses of data collected in 14 nations in Europe (total N>5000) demonstrated that higher scores on Hofstede's national masculinity index and lower ones on national wealth were independent predictors of higher national depression levels. National trait neuroticism did not mediate the relationship between national masculinity and national depression levels.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1975

Habenular lesions and feminine sexual behavior of ovariectomized rats: diminished responsiveness to the synergistic effects of estrogen and progesterone.

Bilateral electrolytic lesions in the habenula resulted in disruption of estrogen-progesterone-evoked feminine sexual behaviors of ovariectomized female rats. There were no difference between lesioned and sham-operated animals in tests conducted after the administration of estrogen alone. Animals with lesions were characterized by an increased proportion of mounts not followed by lordosis, a decreased proportion of mounts followed by pronounced lordosis, and a decreased proportion of mounts preceded by soliciting behaviors. Lesions had a negligible effect upon the tendency to hold lordotic postures after the male dismounted. The results suggested that the habenula is involved in modulating responsiveness to the synergistic effects of estrogen and progesterone.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Feminine life-course of Estonian women born in 1937-47: a questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND: This study describes reproductive health, use of contraception, age at menopause, the prevalence of climacteric complaints, and hormone replacement therapy among Estonian women born in 1937-47. METHODS: A sample of 800 Estonian women born in 1937-47 was composed at random from the Estonian population registry in 1997. A postal questionnaire was sent to all participants. RESULTS: Curettage before menopause (16.6%, 95%CI=13.5-20.0) and hysterectomy (11.7, 95%CI =9.0-14.8) were the most common gynecological operations. 66.7% (95%CI =62.5-70.6) of women had never used contraception, with the most popular method of contraception being intrauterine device (19.9%, 95%CI = 16.6-23.6). About three quarters of the respondents had had induced abortions, with 30.4% (95%CI =26.5-34.4) having had three or more abortions. After exclusion of women with surgical menopause (57 cases, 10.6%, 95% CI=8.1-13.5), women who were unable to assess the time of menopause (17 cases, 3.2%, 95%CI=1.8-5.0), and those who were still menstruating (73 cases, 13.6%, 95%CI = 10.8-16.8), the average age of menopause (based on 388 study subjects) was 50.3 (95%CI =49.9-50.6) years. The prevalence of climacteric complaints was as follows: hot flushes 51.0% (95%CI =46.7-55.3), night sweats 44.1% (95%CI =39.9-48.4%), depression/irritability 35.6% (95%CI =31.5-39.8), bleeding problems 10.1% (95%CI=7.6-12.9). Hormone replacement therapy was currently being used by 8 respondents (1.5%, 95%CI=0.6-2.9). Previous hormone replacement therapy use was reported by 4 (0.7%, 95% CI =0.2 2.9) of the women. CONCLUSIONS: The feminine life-course of women born in Estonia in 1937-47 is characterized by a high number of induced abortions and hysterectomies, and relatively little contraceptive use. Hormone replacement therapy use is very low.

Abortion, Induced↗
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↗
PubMed2006

Differentials in the femininity ratio among centenarians: variations between northern and southern Italy from 1870.

Significant differentials have been observed between Italian regions in the distribution of centenarians by sex, from two women per man in the south to over eight in certain regions in the north. In order to explain these differentials we studied the evolution of the femininity ratio (FR), using a longitudinal approach to follow the ageing process in two cohorts, and making use of nearly all the statistical data available since the time of the Unification of Italy in 1870. Significant differentials in the FR observed at the age of 100 are mainly due to mortality differentials among men over the age of 60. The high mortality of men in the north and their low mortality in the south are the main explanations of why the FRs are higher in the north and lower in the south. Mortality differentials among women have only a marginal impact.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Gender-confirming facial surgery: considerations on the masculinity and femininity of faces.

While aesthetic facial surgery performed for reasons of undesired facial masculinity or femininity has had some attention in the literature, there is a lack of information on gender-confirming facial surgery as part of an overall surgical sex reassignment program. In this paper we try to capture some of the sex differences, respectively, of skeleton, musculature and other subcutaneous soft tissues, integument and frame of the face. From this, we come to a description of some general differences of facial appearance between the sexes. In restructuring the skeletal architecture and facial proportions to match the desired gender, these factors should be taken into account.

Cephalometry↗
PubMed1999

Genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in masculinity, femininity, and gender diagnosticity: analyzing data from a classic twin study.

Analyzing data from Loehlin and Nichols's (1976) classic twin study, we computed measures of Masculine Instrumentality (M), Feminine Expressiveness (F), and Gender Diagnosticity (GD). Quantitative genetic modeling analyses of within-sex individual differences in M, F, and GD indicated that: (1) Additive genetic factors contribute significantly to individual differences in M, F, and GD. (2) The environmental effects on M, F, and GD tend to be nonshared. (3) The genetic and environmental components of individual differences in M, F, and GD tend not to show gender differences. Finally, (4) the estimated within-sex heritability of GD (.53) is significantly greater than the estimated within-sex heritabilities of either M (.36) or F (.38).

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Femininity and fertility in sisters with twin brothers: prenatal androgenization? Cross-sex socialization?

Are sisters of twin brothers behaviorally or physiologically masculinized? Prenatal exposure to their brothers' androgens and postnatal socialization experiences unique to girls growing up with twin brothers might influence their attitudes, pubertal development, and reproductive histories. To investigate, we studied age- and cohort-matched samples of Finnish sisters from same-sex and opposite-sex twin pairs. Using data from two ongoing longitudinal studies of consecutive birth cohorts of Finnish twins, we assessed pubertal development at ages 11 and 14 and endorsement of attitudes associated with femininity at age 16. We also studied fertility in Finnish women from same- and opposite-sex twin pairs born from 1958 through 1971, obtaining information on their child-bearing histories when they were ages 15 to 28. Results of each comparison were unambiguously negative: There was no evidence of differences between sisters from same- and opposite-sex twin pairs, and thus, no evidence of either androgenization or cross-sex socialization.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Enhanced feminine sexual behavior and infertility in female rats prenatally treated with an antiestrogen.

An attempt to elucidate the possible role of prenatal estrogen on the development of feminine sexual behavior and reproductive function was made by treating females with the antiestrogen CI628 prenatally on days 13-19. Control females were prenatally treated with saline or remained untreated. The animals were delivered by caesarian section on day 22 of pregnancy and placed with foster mothers whose newborn pups had been previously removed. Intact peripubertal females in each treatment group were observed for several reproductive measures, including the capacity to become pregnant. Other females were ovariectomized in adulthood and treated with estradiol benzoate (EB) (1, 1.5, 2 or 4 micro g/rat) and 0.5 mg progesterone and tested for receptivity, proceptivity and sexual partner preference. Two weeks after the completion of these tests, the females were injected daily for 7 days with 0.25 mg testosterone and tested for sexual partner preference and mounting behavior. The results obtained showed accelerated vaginal opening, and infertility in the antiestrogen-treated intact females and enhanced receptivity and proceptivity in response to 1 micro g EB in the antiestrogen ovariectomized females. Sexual partner preference and mounting behavior did not differ between groups. These results suggest an involvement of prenatal estrogen on the development of female reproductive function, but not on behavioral differentiation.

Animals↗