Systemic Effects of Testosterone: Hormonal and Behavioral Mechanisms

Abstract

We studied the effects of food deprivation, spatial complexity of environment, and cognitive strain on blood level of testosterone in male (C57Bl/6×DBA/2)F₁ mice. Hormone concentration decreased after exposure to any factor and this decrease depended on combined impact to the factors. Testosterone concentration was most sensitive to cognitive strain against the background of food deprivation. The total response of testosterone under conditions of enriched environment and activation of social interactions in the form of neurotic and aggressive behavior provoked by food deprivation was not equal to the sum of individual effects of these factors. Testosterone response to combined exposure to external and internal factors reflected systemic effect.