Plasma Testosterone Levels in the Male Rhesus: Influences of Sexual and Social Stimuli

Abstract

Four adult male rhesus monkeys were provided access individually to a group of receptive females. Each male assumed dominance and engaged in frequent copulations. Plasma testosterone levels increased two- to threefold during this period. Next, each male was subjected to sudden and decisive defeat by a large all-male group, and plasma testosterone fell following this experience. Two males were later reintroduced to the females, and plasma testosterone rose rapidly to the previous elevated levels.