Endocrinology of Animal Communication: Behavioral

Communication involves interactions between a sender and a receiver with the use of specialized signals. Different classes of hormones, such as steroid hormones, have profound effects on the probability that a signal will be produced via modulation of sensory inputs, central pattern generators, and effector organs. The perception of signals can result in marked changes in the endocrine physiology of the receiver, influencing whether the receiver will engage in subsequent appropriate behaviors. Hormone receptors have been localized to peripheral tissues and brain areas that mediate signal production and hormone-regulated gene expression has been identified in these areas related to signal production and processing.