Progesterone,estradiol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone: Effects on rate of extinction of a conditioned taste aversion in rats

An investigation was made to determine why the prolonged rate of extinction of a conditioned taste aversion induced by testosterone is diminished when the ovarian system is intact. In the first experiment, 36 gonadectomized female rats received injections of progesterone, testosterone propionate (TP), progesterone plus TP, or sesame oil. Progesterone did not reduce the slow extinction rate induced by TP. In a second experiment, 36 gonadectomized female rats received injections of estradiol dipropionate (EP), TP, EP plus TP, or sesame oil. Estradiol dipropionate reduced the effectiveness of TP in prolonging the extinction rate. These same results (the ineffectiveness of progesterone and the effectiveness of EP in blocking TP-induced slow extinction) were also observed in male rats in a third experiment. Dihydrotestosterone, as well as testosterone, has been shown to prolong extinction: hence, in a fourth experiment 30 gonadectomized female rats received injections of EP, TP, dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP), EP plus DHTP, or sesame oil. Estradiol dipropionate reduced the DHTP-induced slow extinction. All the above data are consistent with the hypothesis that it is estradiol from the ovaries that diminishes the effect of testosterone on the rate of extinction of a conditioned taste aversion in intact females.