Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) affects precopulatory behavior in testosterone-treated geldings

Physiol Behav. 1989 Jan;45(1):145-9. doi: 10.1016/0031-9384(89)90177-7.

Abstract

Twelve pony geldings with (n = 6) and without (n = 6) testosterone replacement (200 micrograms/kg testosterone propionate in oil, SC every 48 hours) received either gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; 25 micrograms SC every 3 hours) or control treatment. Sexual behavior was recorded during 4-minute exposure to an estrous mare, 3 times weekly for 2 weeks before treatment, 3 weeks during treatment, and 3 weeks after treatment had been discontinued. The group receiving testosterone and GnRH (n = 3) exhibited significantly greater flehmen response frequency and attention duration and significantly lower vocalization frequency and erection duration than the group receiving only testosterone (n = 3). GnRH had no apparent effect on sexual behavior in geldings without testosterone replacement (n = 3). These results support an hypothesis of testosterone-dependent, CNS-mediated effects of GnRH on precopulatory behavior in the stallion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Copulation / physiology*
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy
  • Penile Erection
  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones / physiology*
  • Sexual Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Testosterone / physiology*

Substances

  • Pituitary Hormone-Releasing Hormones
  • Testosterone