Testosterone modulation of anxiety in gonadally-suppressed male rhesus monkeys: a role for gonadotropins?

摘要: Abstract Testosterone (T) has repeatedly been shown to have anxiolytic properties in rodents, but findings primates are more mixed. To examine the effects of exogenous T on anxiety, we tested pharmacologically-castrated adult male rhesus monkeys a modified version Human Intruder Paradigm, which measured defensive responses an unfamiliar human staring directly at them for 2 min. Monkeys were 2 week intervals during 4 experimental conditions lasting 4 weeks each: baseline, treatment with gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist leuprolide acetate (200 μg/kg; Lupron phase), Lupron + T enanthate (TE, 5 mg/kg; TE phase) and Lupron + oil vehicle (oil phase). We found that number anxious behaviors was lower periods low (Lupron only phases) than Lupron + TE phase. No change pacing or watching behavior observed. Thus, contrast rodent data, no evidence monkeys. Rather, supplementation restored baseline levels anxiety Lupron-treated These discrepant may be best explained by gonadotropins achieved GnRH agonist. suggest Lupron-induced luteinizing (LH) suppression reduced this effect abolished administration. This interpretation is consistent view increases emotional reactivity potential threat facilitates adaptive arousal response face immediate social challenge.