Catecholestrogens and induction of sexual behavior in the ovariectomized rat.

Abstract

The ability of the catecholestrogens, 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OHE2) and 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OHE2) to induce lordosis in ovariectomized rats primed with progesterone was assessed following either short- or long-term exposure to the steroids. 4-OHE2 successfully induced lordosis whether administered as two bolus intrajugular injections separated by a 3-hour interval or continuously for 7 days via subcutaneously implanted osmotic minipumps. 2-OHE2, however, was ineffective under both conditions. When administered subcutaneously in conjunction with 3 days of estradiol benzoate (E2B) treatment, neither of the catecholestrogens exhibited any antiestrogenic effect as compared with the lordosis response to E2B alone. Likewise, simultaneous administration of 2-OHE2 did not significantly alter the response to intrajugular injections of estradiol (E2) or 4-OHE2. The results indicate that 4-OHE2 (but not 2-OHE2) mimicks the lordosis-inducing action of E2 and that neither catecholestrogen has any antiestrogenic effect in this behavioral test system.

• Authors: S J Naish, P Ball
• Journal: Neuroendocrinology (Neuroendocrinology) Vol. 32 Issue 4 Pg. 225-8 (Apr 1981) ISSN: 0028-3835 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 7219675 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Estrogens, Catechol
• Progesterone
• Estradiol
• 2-hydroxyestradiol
• 4-hydroxyestradiol

Topics

• Animals
• Castration
• Estradiol (analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
• Estrogens, Catechol
• Female
• Organ Size (drug effects)
• Posture
• Progesterone (pharmacology)
• Rats
• Sexual Behavior, Animal (drug effects)