Oestrogen modulates dopamine-controlled behaviours in the male ferret

Oestradiol (100 micrograms/kg) was administered to male ferrets on three successive days. Two and three days after the last oestradiol injection the effects of apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg) on stereotyped, predatory and scent marking behaviour were intensified. Thus, three days of oestradiol administration produced a supersensitive dopaminergic system two days after the last oestradiol injection. However, no initial antidopaminergic effect of oestradiol could be demonstrated one day after the last oestradiol injection.