LHRH and rat avoidance behavior: influence of castration and testosterone

Pretraining subcutaneous administration of a high dose of LHRH (100 micrograms/kg) to intact rats impaired acquisition of a conditioned avoidance response (CAR) in a two way shuttle box. Acquisition of a CAR was also decreased when LHRH was administered to castrated rats. LHRH antagonized the dose related impairment in acquisition and retention performance induced by testosterone in castrated animals. The results are discussed based on the interrelationships between castration, testosterone, LHRH and brain monoamines.