Figure 2.

Proposed model for the perception and integration of sex peptide (SP) sensory signals that regulate female postmating responses. SP-responsive sensory neurons expressing fru, dsx and ppk are localized to the uterus and project into the abdominal ganglia (Abg) and possibly into the suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) [21,49,50]. A cluster of dsx-expressing neurons of the Abg is required for the induction and regulation of specific postmating responses [21]. This cluster consists of (1) ascending neurons innervating the central brain, (2) descending neurons innervating the uterus and (3) local interneurons potentially (dotted line) conveying information to/from central circuits regulating female mating decisions. Higher-order central pathways may process these signals (dotted lines) to regulate female behavior; however, studies have yet to identify these processing/command elements. Note that only half of the female CNS is shown in the schematic.

Adapted from [60].