Fig. 5.

Schematic summary of MeApd-ERβ⁺ neuron function. (A) A schematic diagram illustrating the function of MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons during receptivity-based (RF vs. XF) preference tests. Sniffing toward RF induces excitation of MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons, which further promotes the approach and sniffing toward RF. The neuronal activity of MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons, in turn, affects downstream BNSTp neuronal activity during a receptivity-based preference test, fully promoting receptivity-based preference. (B) A schematic diagram illustrating the function of MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons during sex-based (RF vs. IM) preference tests. Although MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons respond more to RF in the RF vs. IM preference test, MeApd-ERβ⁺ neuronal activity, per se, is not necessary for the expression of preference for RF over IM. Differential responses of BNSTp neurons during sniffing of RF and IM are maintained without input signals from MeApd-ERβ⁺ neurons. BNST, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis; BNSTp, BNST-principal; MeA, medial amygdala; MeApd, MeA-posterodorsal; ER, estrogen receptor; RF, receptive female; XF, nonreceptive female; IM, intact male.