NEONATAL CASTRATION, ANDROSTENEDIONE, AND MATING BEHAVIOR OF MALE RAT

Castrated 47 male Long-Evans rats on Day 1 and injected them for Days 1-20 with either vehicle or 25, 50, 100, or 150 MUg. of DELTA4-androstenedione-3-17 dissolved in benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, and sesame oil. When tested in adulthood following estrogen and progesterone treatment, Ss that received 25 MUg. of hormone displayed lordosis as frequently as Ss that received no hormone. Following a series of testosterone injections these same Ss achieved intromission and ejaculation when placed with a receptive female. Data are discussed in terms of whether male Ss deprived of androgens from birth do not achieve intromission and ejaculation because of inadequate penile development or because of CNS deficiencies. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1969 American Psychological Association.