Habenular lesions and feminine sexual behavior of ovariectomized rats: Diminished responsiveness to the synergistic effects of estrogen and progesterone.

Abstract

Bilateral electrolytic lesions in the habenula resulted in disruption of feminine sexual behaviors evoked by estrogen and progesterone in 43 ovariectomized rats. There were no differences between lesioned and sham-operated Ss in tests conducted after the administration of estrogen alone. Ss with lesions were characterized by an increased proportion of mounts not followed by lordosis, a decreased proportion of mounts followed by pronounced lordosis, and a decreased proportion of mounts preceded by soliciting behaviors. Lesions had a negligible effect upon the tendency to hold lordotic postures after the male dismounted. Results suggest that the habenula is involved in modulating responsiveness to the synergistic effects of estrogen and progesterone. (20 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)