Abstract
The testosterone dose-dependency of several mating and nonmating behaviors was examined in the male rat, chemically castrated with a GnRH antagonist analog. Graded doses of testosterone enanthate (TE) were given to male rats to reinstate behaviors abolished by GnRH antagonist treatment. GnRH antagonist treatment alone markedly lowered serum LH, FSH and T concentrations and ventral prostate and testis weights. Open field behaviors were not significantly affected by GnRH antagonist treatment or castration. Scent-marking behavior was markedly suppressed by both castration and GnRH antagonist and restored by the lowest dose of TE (0.05 mg). All measures of male sexual behavior were impaired by GnRH antagonist treatment and castration and restored by the lowest dose of TE (0.05 mg). The doses of TE required to restore normal ventral prostate weights and testis weights were higher than those required to maintain scent marking and mating behaviors. No direct behavioral effects of the GnRH antagonist, other than those that can be explained by GnRH antagonist-induced suppression of testosterone were observed. The finding that sexual and nonsexual behaviors in the male rat have different testosterone requirements from those maintaining spermatogenesis and fertility may have significant implications for contraception.
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