Effects of dexamethasone, corticosterone, and ACTH on lordosis in ovariectomized and adrenalectomized-ovariectomized rats

Denys de Catanzaro, Boris B. Gorzalka
In: Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior · 1980 · vol. 12(2) , pp. 201–206 · doi:10.1016/0091-3057(80)90356-1 · PMID:6246543 · W1964043287
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This study investigated the impact of dexamethasone, corticosterone, and ACTH administration on lordosis behavior in both ovariectomized and adrenalectomized-ovariectomized female rats.

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Abstract

The involvement of the pituitary-adrenocortical axis in the control of the lordosis reflex was investigated; In Experiment 1, estrogen-primed ovariectomized (ovx) and adrenalectomized-ovariectomized (adx-ovx) females were treated chronically with dexamethasone, a compound blocking ACTH release from the pituitary. Dexamethasone inhibited lordosis, effectively blocking an adrenalectomy-induced facilitation of the reflex. In Experiment 2, corticosterone was similarly administered chronically; this compound also inhibited lordosis in adx-ovx females. In Experiment 3, acute peripheral administration of synthetic ACTH caused a marked increase in lordosis in ovx females. The results suggest that in the adrenally intact animal, ACTH may exert its effect through adrenal steroids. An acute elevation of adrenal steroids may increase lordosis, whereas a chronic elevation may decrease it.

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