Androgens Stimulate Specific Aspects of Maternal Nest-Building and Reduce Food Intake in Rabbits
February 2003
in “
Hormones and Behavior
”
Studysummary This study found that testosterone combined with progesterone stimulated digging behavior in ovariectomized rabbits but also reduced food intake, an effect partially counteracted by progesterone.
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The study investigated the effects of androgens on maternal nest-building and food intake in ovariectomized rabbits. Testosterone propionate (TP) and 5α-dihydrotestosterone propionate were administered, alone and with progesterone (P), to assess their impact. The combination of TP and P stimulated digging behavior, but no treatment affected straw-carrying or hair-plucking. Both androgens induced hair-loosening, counteracted by P. High doses of TP and 5α-dihydrotestosterone propionate significantly reduced food intake by 60-70%, an effect mitigated by P in TP-treated rabbits. The results suggested androgens played a role in specific nest-building behaviors and strongly inhibited food intake.
