The effect of cyproterone acetate on shock elicited aggression in rats

The aggressive behavior of male rats treated chronically with cyproterone acetate was measured following electric footshock. Shock elicited fighting behavior and body weight was recorded once every week for 4 weeks. The level of plasma testosterone, brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA and weight of testes were measured 24 hours after the last injection. No significant change was observed in the level of testosterone or brain 5-HT and 5-HIAA. A trend towards an increase in plasma testosterone and shock elicited fighting in rats treated with a higher dose of CA (10 mg/kg) may be indicative of some androgenic property of CA. On the other hand a slower gain in the body weight and a significant reduction in the testes weight of CA treated rats corroborate the well known antiandrogen property of this steroid. The balance of these androgenic and antiandrogenic properties of CA may account for the absence of significant changes in behavioral and biochemical measures.