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      Rapid Effect of Testosterone on Striated Muscle Activity in Rats

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          Abstract

          We addressed the question of how rapidly gonadal steroids might affect behavior by studying how fast testosterone (T) could augment the actions of the striated penile muscles and their associated penile reflexes. Eight male rats, functionally castrated 4 months before this study, bore chronically implanted electrodes in the bulbospongiosus (bulbocavernosus) muscle. The males were observed for the display of penile reflexes immediately after the injection of T (250 µg i.m.) and T propionate (250 µg s.c), as well as after injections of only the oil vehicle. Overt penile responses were rare. However, in several tests subcutaneous twitching was observable near the midline posterior to the penis. These twitches were accompanied by electromyographic bursts and were attributed to contractions of the bulbospongiosus muscle. T reliably (p < 0.025) accelerated the onset of electromyographic activity: 6 of the 8 males had electromyographic bursts before the 30-min limit, and 3 males responded within 6 min. This is the first demonstration of such a rapid action of androgens on behavior or its basis in striated muscle activity. The rapid muscular response to T was ascribed to steroid-sensitive neuronal membrane receptors. Such responsiveness could increase the intensity of penile reflexes within minutes after surges of luteinizing hormone and T have been induced by cues associated with estrous females and thereby could contribute to the fertility of mating.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          NEN
          Neuroendocrinology
          10.1159/issn.0028-3835
          Neuroendocrinology
          S. Karger AG
          0028-3835
          1423-0194
          1988
          1988
          02 April 2008
          : 48
          : 5
          : 453-458
          Affiliations
          Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn., USA
          Article
          125049 Neuroendocrinology 1988;48:453–458
          10.1159/000125049
          3244402
          2133eaa0-9b62-40af-805a-3efef66d3dd3
          © 1988 S. Karger AG, Basel

          Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug. Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.

          History
          : 30 September 1987
          : 08 March 1988
          Page count
          Pages: 6
          Categories
          Original Paper

          Endocrinology & Diabetes,Neurology,Nutrition & Dietetics,Sexual medicine,Internal medicine,Pharmacology & Pharmaceutical medicine
          Penile muscles,Androgen action,Penile reflexes,Sexual behavior,Electromyography

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