SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF TESTOSTERONE AND OESTROGENS ON ACCESSORY SEX GLANDS AND SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE BOAR

Abstract

Summary. The effects of oestrogens on the activity of accessory sex glands were studied in castrated boars receiving testosterone continuously. Diethylstilboestrol (DES), 17\g=b\-oestradiol(E2) and oestrone (E1) were administered successively for 6-week periods which alternated with treatments of testosterone alone. Semen was collected twice each week and measurements were made of the total, the strained and the gel volumes. Citric acid and fructose contents of the seminal plasma were also determined. Highly significant (P<0\m=.\01)differences between boars were observed for all criteria in a series of collections made before castration. Castration resulted in reduction in the total quantities of secretory products of the accessory sex glands. Subsequent treatment with testosterone alone for a period of 12 weeks had only a slight effect on their secretions. Supplementary treatment with DES, E2 or E1 significantly (P<0\m=.\01)increased the secretory activity of these glands from the levels in the respective preceding periods with testosterone alone. After withdrawal of oestrogens, the elevated levels of citric acid secretion remained high or increased further, while the amounts of seminal plasma and fructose continued at the higher levels or declined. Oestrogens also had a synergistic effect with testosterone on improving the libido of castrated boars. The reaction time was decreased by 45% (P<0\m=.\01)during supplementary treatment with oestrone for 12 weeks. The results of these experiments suggest that oestrogens act synergistically with testosterone on the accessory sex glands and on the sexual behaviour of the boar.