Dihydrotestosterone propionate effects on dominance and sexual behaviors in gonadectomized male and female rhesus monkeys
Cochran, C.A.; Perachio, A.A.
Hormones and Behavior 8(2): 175-187
1977
ISSN/ISBN: 0018-506X PMID: 405306 Document Number: 433561
One triad of male and 2 triads of female gonadectomized rhesus monkeys were observed as social groups assembled for repeated hour-long sessions. Social relationships were measured in terms of aggressive behavior between the members of each group in order to determine the dominance hierarchical order. Sexual performance was assessed for each male, before and after castration, in tests with an estrogen-stimulated ovariectomized female. Similar measures were made when the same female was periodically introduced to the all-male triad. When dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP) was administered for a period of 6 wk to the middle-ranking member of each group, social status changes occurred in 2 groups, 1 male and 1 female, resulting in the elevation of the treated monkeys to the highest rank in the dominance hierarchy. In the other female group, aggressive behavior was increased with DHTP treatment of the middle-ranking female. Somatic effects, particularly a gain in body weight, occurred in all treated animals. Yawning behavior also increased significantly in those animals receiving DHTP. The latter 2 effects returned toward pretreatment levels following the cessation of hormone injection; however, changes in dominance hierarchy persisted to the end of the experiment, 6 wk following the last DHTP treatment.