EXCRETION OF ESTROGENIC AND ANDROGENIC SUBSTANCES BY FEMALE AND MALE CHIMPANZEES WITH KNOWN MATING BEHAVIOR RECORDS1

Abstract

Bioassays have been made of estrogenic and androgenic substances found in 23-hr. urine samples from 2 adult [female] chimpanzees throughout the menstrual cycle and from 4 adult [male][male]. One of the [female][female] consistently avoided sexual contacts with the [male][male] although the cyclic structural changes associated with reproduction appeared to be normal. The sexual interest of 3 of the [male][male] was vigorous. The 4th frequently has been more or less indifferent even in the presence of receptive [female][female]. Benzene extracts of the acid-hydrolyzed urine from the [female][female] were fractionated to permit the estimation of estradiol, estrone and estriol. The extracts of the urine from the [male][male] were assayed for total estrogenic activity only. Assays for androgenic activity were performed on the extracts of the urine from both sexes. In the [female][female] peaks of estrogen excretion coincided with maximal genital swelling and with the premenstrual period. Until more data can be obtained no significance should be attached to the irregular variations in androgens excreted by the [female][female]. The [male][male] excreted twice as much androgenic substances as the [female][female] and somewhat less estrogenic substances. The quantity of estrogenic substances excreted by [female] and [male] chimpanzees was intermediate between that excreted by man and by the Rhesus monkey. The quantity of androgenic substances excreted by chimpanzees of both sexes was nearer that excreted by the monkey. No relationship was found between the sexual behavior of the animals and the quantity of excreted estrogenic or androgenic substances.