Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Behavioral Teratogenicity of Gonadal and Adrenal Steroids

  • Chapter
Handbook of Behavioral Teratology

  • 86 Accesses

Abstract

The identification and classification of agents having behavioral teratogenic properties has been defined as “that aspect of study concerned with the assessment of subtle behavioral disturbances from birth to maturity” (Fein, Schwart, Jacobson, & Jacobson, 1983, p. 1188). Moreover, as discussed by Spyker (1975), the nature of the effects produced by such an agent depends on the ontogenetic period during which exposure occurs, the genotype, and age at the time of assessment. Given this definition of behavioral teratology and the factors that can modulate the influence of the substance in question, many, if not most, behavioral endocrinologists may be considered behavioral teratologists. Behavioral endocrinologists likewise assess the long-term influence of exposure to certain compounds during prescribed periods of development. Also, the variables that modulate the influence of agents generally considered within the purview of the teratologist also modulate the effectiveness of hormones.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Abbott, D. B., & Hearn, J. P. The effect of neonatal exposure to testosterone on the development of behavior in female marmoset monkeys. In Sex, Hormones and Behavior: Ciba foundation symposium 62. New York: Excerpta Medica, 1979.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barraclough, C. A. Modifications in reproductive function after exposure to hormones during the prenatal and early postnatal period. In L. Martini & W. Ganong (Eds.), Neuroendocrinology. New York: Academic Press, 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barraclough, C. A., & Leathern, J. H. Infertility induced in mice by a single injection of testosterone propionate. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, 1954, 85, 673–674.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baum, M. J., & Schretlen, P. Neuroendocrine effects of perinatal androgenization in the male ferret. In W. H. Gispen, T. B. van Wimersma Greidanus, B. Bohun, & D. de Wied (Eds.), Progress in brain research, Vol. 42. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  • Beach, F. A., & Kuehn, R. E. Coital behavior in dogs: X. Effects of androgenic stimulation during development of feminine mating response in females and males. Hormones and Behavior, 1970, 1, 347–367.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Beatty, W. W. Gonadal hormones and sex differences in non-reproductive behaviors in rodents: Organizational and activational influences. Hormones and Behavior, 1979, 12, 112–163.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Beatty, W. W., & Beatty, P. A. Hormonal determinants of sex differences in avoidance behavior and reactivity to electric shock in the rat. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1970, 73, 446–455.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Birke, L. I. A., & Sadler, D. Progestin-induced changes in play behavior of the prepubertal rat. Physiology and Behavior, 1983, 30, 341–347.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bronson, F. H., & Desjardins, C. Aggression in adult mice: Modification by neonatal injections of gonadal hormones. Science, 1968, 161, 705–706.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke, I. J. The sexual behavior of prenatally androgenized ewes observed in the field. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1911, 49, 311–315.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clemens, L. G., Hiroi, M., & Gorski, R. A. Induction and facilitation of female mating behavior in rats treated neonatally with low doses of testosterone propionate. Endocrinology, 1969, 84, 1420–1438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coyle, I. R., Anker, R., & Cragg, B. Behavioral, biochemical and histological effects of prenatal administration of progesterone in the rat. Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 1976, 5, 587–590.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dalton, K. Ante-natal progesterone and intelligence. British Journal of Psychiatry, 1968, 144, 137–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalton, K. Prenatal progesterone and educational attainments. British Journal of Psychiatry, 1976, 129, 438–442.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dawson, J. L. M., Cheung, Y. M., & Lau, R. T. S. Developmental effects of neonatal sex hormones on spatial and activity skills in the white rat. Biological Psychology, 1975, 3, 213–299.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Denenberg, V. H. Open-field behavior in the rat: What does it mean? Annals of the New York Academy of Science, 1969, 159, 852–859.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Denti, A., & Negroni, J. A. Activity and learning in neonatally hormone treated rats. Acta Physiologica Latinoamerica, 1975, 25, 99–106.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, M., Llacuna, A., & Wong, C. L. Sex behavior and neonatal progesterone, testosterone, estrogen, or antiandrogens. Hormones and Behavior, 1973, 4, 73–88.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dieterlen, F. Das Verhalten des syrischen Goldhamsters. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie, 1959, 16, 47–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Doughty, C., Booth, J. E., McDonald, P. G., & Parrott, R. F. Effects of oestradiol-17B, oestradiol benzoate and the synthetic oestrogen RU 2858 on sexual differentiation in the neonatal female rat. Journal of Endocrinology, 1975, 67, 419–424.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Edwards, D. A. Neonatal administration of androstenedione, testosterone or testosterone propionate: Effects on ovulation, sexual receptivity and aggressive behavior in female mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1971, 6, 223–228.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ehrhardt, A. A., & Money, J. Progestin-induced hermaphroditism: IQ and psychosexual identity in a study of ten girls. Journal of Sex Research, 1967, 3, 83–100.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fein, G. G., Schwartz, P. M., Jacobson, S. W., & Jacobson, J. L. Environmental toxins and behavioral development. American Psychologist, 1983, 38, 1188–1197.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flerko, B. Steroid hormones and the differentiation of the central nervous system. In L. Martini & R. James (Eds.), Current topics in experimental endocrinology. New York: Academic Press, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandelman, R., & Rosenthal, C. Deleterious effects of prenatal prednisolone exposure upon morphological and behavioral development of mice. Teratology, 1981, 24, 293–301.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gerall, A. A. Effects of early postnatal androgen and estrogen injections on the estrous activity cycles and mating behavior of rats. Anatomical Record, 1967, 157, 97–104.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Golub, M. S. Maze exploration in juvenile rats treated with corticosteroids during development. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 1982, 17, 473–479.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gorski, R. Modification of ovulatory mechanisms by postnatal administration of estrogen to the rat. American Journal of Physiology, 1963, 205, 842–844.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gorski, R. A. Gonadal hormones and the perinatal development of neuroendocrine function. In L. Martini & W. F. Ganong (Eds.), Frontiers in neuroendocrinology. New York: Oxford University Press, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goy, R. W. Development of play and mounting behaviour in female rhesus virilized prenatally with esters of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone. In D. J. Chivers & J. Herbert (Eds.), Recent advances in primatology, behaviour, Vol. 1. New York: Academic Press, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goy, R. W., & Phoenix, C. H. The effects of testosterone propionate administered before birth on the development of behavior in genetic female rhesus monkeys. In C. Sawyer & R. Gorski (Eds.), Steroid hormones and brain function. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1971.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gray, J. A., Levine, S., & Broadhurst, P. L. Gonadal hormone injections in infancy and adult emotional behaviour. Animal Behaviour, 1965, 13, 33–45.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray, J. A., Lean, J., & Keynes, A. Infant androgen treatment and adult open field behavior: Direct effects and effects of injections to siblings. Physiology and Behavior, 1969, 4, 177–181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hale, H. B. Functional and morphological alterations of the reproductive system of the female rat following prepubertal treatment with estrogens. Endocrinology, 1944, 35, 499–506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, G. E., Melnyk, V., Hayes, T., Bennett-Clarke, C., & Fowler, C. Immunocytology of LFRH neurons. In D. E. Scott, G. P. Kozlowski, & A. Weindl (Eds.), Brain-endocrine interaction. Vol. 3: Neural hormones and reproduction. Basel: S. Karger, 1978.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holman, S. D. Neonatal androgen and mounting behaviour in female house mice. Animal Behaviour, 1976, 24, 135–140.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, E. Increased reactivity and impaired adaptability in operant behavior of adult mice given corticosterone in infancy. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1973, 85, 211–220.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Howard, E., & Granoff, P. M. Increased voluntary running and decreased motor coordination in mice after neonatal corticosterone implantation. Experimental Neurology, 1968, 22, 661–673.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hull, E. M., Franz, J. R., Snyder, A. M., & Nishita, J. K. Perinatal progesterone and learning, social and reproductive behavior in rats. Physiology and Behavior, 1980, 24, 251–256.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jacobson, B. D. Abortion: Its prediction and management. Clinical experience with norlutin. Fertility and Sterility, 1961, 12, 474–485.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kester, P., Green, R., Finch, S. J., & Willimans, K. Prenatal “female hormone” administration and psycho- sexual development in human males. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1980, 5, 269–285.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Krecek, J. Sex differences in salt taste: The effect of testosterone. Physiology and Behavior, 1973, 10, 683–688.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Leshner, A. I., & Schwartz, S. M. Neonatal corticosterone treatment increases submissiveness in adult mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1977, 19, 163–165.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Levine, S., & Mullins, R. Estrogen administration neonatally affects adult sexual behavior in male and female rats. Science, 1964, 144, 185–187.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • List, R. D. Masculinized female hamsters do not require steroid treatment when adult for activation of the male copulatory response pattern. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1980, 5, 305–317.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Manning, A., & McGill, T. E. Neonatal androgen and sexual behavior in female house mice. Hormones and Behavior, 1974, 5, 19–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meaney, M. J.,& Stewart, J. Neonatal androgens influence the social play of prepubescent rats. Hormones and Behavior, 1981, 15, 197–213.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meany, M. J., Stewart, J., Poulin, P., & McEwen, B. S. Sexual differentiation of social play in rat pups is mediated by the neonatal androgen-receptor system. Neuroendocrinology, 1983, 37, 85–90.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer-Bahlburg, H. F. L., & Ehrhardt, A. A. Prenatal sex hormones and human aggression: A review, and new data on progestogen effects. Aggressive Behavior, 1982, 8, 39–62.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer-Bahlburg, H. F. L., Grisanti, G. C., & Ehrhardt, A. A. Prenatal effects of sex hormones on human male behavior: Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1977, 2, 383–390. (a)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer-Bahlburg, H. F. L., Grisanti, C. G., & Ehrhardt, A. A. Prenatal exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) in girls. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1977, 2, 391–398. (b)

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Nadler, R. D. Further evidence on the intrahypothalamic locus for androgenization of female rats. Neuroendocrinology, 1973, 12, 110–114.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Olioff, M., & Stewart, J. Sex differences in the play behavior of prepubescent rats. Physiology and Behavior, 1978, 20, 113–115.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Olton, D. S., Johnson, C. T., & Howard, E. Impairment of conditioned avoidance in adult rats given corticosterone in infancy. Developmental Psychobiology, 1974, 8, 55–61.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A. P. A comparison of the effects of neonatally administered testosterone, testosterone propionate and dihydrotestosterone on aggressive and sexual behaviour in the female golden hamster. Journal of Endocrinology, 1976, 69, 23–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A. P., & Swanson, H. H. Agonistic behavior between pairs of hamsters of the same and opposite sex in a neutral observation area. Behaviour, 1970, 36, 259–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A. P., & Swanson, H. H. Neonatal androgenization and aggression in the male golden hamster. Nature, 1972, 239, 282–283.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Payne, A. P., & Swanson, H. H. The effects of neonatal androgen administration on the aggression and related behaviour of male golden hamsters during interactions with females. Journal of Endocrinology, 1973, 58, 627–636.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Phoenix, C. H., Goy, R. W., Gerall, A. A., & Young, W. C. Organizing action of prenatally administered testosterone propionate on the tissue mediating mating behavior in the female guinea pig. Endocrinology, 1959, 65, 369–382.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Politch, J. A., & Herrenkohl, L. R. Postnatal ACTH and corticosterone: Effects on reproduction in mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1984, 32, 447–452.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quadagno, D. M., Anderson, C., Shryne, J., & Gorski, R. A. Influence of gonadal hormones on social, sexual emergence and open-field behaviour in the rat (Rattus norvegicus). Animal Behaviour, 1972, 20, 732–740.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Quadagno, D. M., Briscoe, R., & Quadagno, J. S. Effect of perinatal gonadal hormones on selected nonsexual behavior patterns: A critical assessment of the nonhuman and human literature. Psychological Bulletin, 1977, 84, 62–80.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reinisch, J. M. Prenatal exposure to synthetic progestins increases potential for aggression in humans. Science, 1981, 211, 1171–1173.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reinisch, J. M., & Karow, W. G. Prenatal exposure to synthetic progestins and estrogens: Effects on human development. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1977, 6, 257–288.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reinisch, J. M., Simon, N. G., & Gandelman, R. Prenatal exposure to prednisone permanently alters fighting behavior of female mice. Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior, 1980, 12, 213–216.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Revesz, C., Chappel, C. J., & Gaudry, R. Masculinization of female fetuses in the rat by progestational compounds. Endocrinology, 1960, 66, 140–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rosenberg, K. M., Denenberg, V. H., Zarrow, M. X., & Frank, B. L. Effects of neonatal castration and testosterone on the rat’s pup-killing behavior and activity. Physiology and Behavior, 1971, 7, 363–368.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Satayasthit, N., Tankeyoon, M., & Chaudhury, R. R. The effect of medroxyprogesterone acetate, administered to the lactating rat, on the subsequent growth, maturation and reproductive function of the litter. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1976, 46, 411–412.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S. Some physiological, biochemical, and behavioral consequences of neonatal hormone administration: Cortisol and thyroxine. General and Comparative Endocrinology, 1968, 10, 214–228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shapiro, S., Salas, M., & Vulkovich, K. Hormonal effects on ontogeny of swimming ability in the rat: Assessment of central nervous system development. Science, 1970, 168, 147–151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, A. M., & Hull, E. M. Prenatal progesterone affects learning in rats. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 1980, 5, 113–119.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sodersten, P. Increased mounting behavior in the female rat following a single neonatal injection of testosterone propionate. Hormones and Behavior, 1973, 4, 1–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Spyker, J. M. Assessing the impact of low level chemicals on development: Behavioral and latent effects. Federation Proceedings, 1975, 34, 1835–1844.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stern, J. M., & Eisenfeld, H. J. Distribution and metabolism of 3H-testosterone in castrated male rats: Effects of cyproterone, progesterone and unlabeled testosterone. Endocrinology, 1971, 88, 1117–1125.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, R., & Goldstein, R. Effects of neonatal testosterone and progesterone on open-field behaviour in the rat. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1978, 30, 157–166.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Stevens, R., & Goldstein, R. Organizational effects of neonatal and pubertal testosterone on sexually differentiated behaviours in the open-field and head-dip apparatus. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 1983, 353, 81–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, J., Stvarenna, A., & Pottier, J. Effects of neonatal androgens on open-field behavior and maze learning in the prepubescent and adult rat. Physiology and Behavior, 1975, 14, 291–295.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Swanson, H. H. Alteration of sex-typical behaviour of hamters in open field and emergence tests by neo-natal administration of androgen or oestrogen. Animal Behaviour, 1967, 15, 209–216.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tejasen, T., & Everett, J. W. Surgical analysis of the preoptic-tuberal pathway controlling ovulatory release of gonadotrophins in the rat. Endocrinology, 1967, 81, 1387–1392.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, T. R., & Gerall, A. A. Dissociation of reproductive Physiology and Behavior induced by neonatal treatment with steroids. Endocrinology, 1969, 85, 781–784.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tilson, H. A., & LaMartiniere, C. A. Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol affects the sexual differentiation of male rats. Neurobehavioral Toxicology, 1979, 1, 123–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Turner, B. B., & Taylor, A.N. Effects of postnatal corticosterone treatment on reproductive development in the rat. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1977, 51, 309–314.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., & Vale, C. A. Interaction of genotype and exogenous neonatal estrogen: Aggression in female mice. Physiology and Behavior, 1973, 10, 181–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vale, J. R., & Ray, D., & Vale, C. A. The interaction of genotype and exogenous neonatal androgen: Agonistic behavior in female mice. Behavioral Biology, 1972, 7, 321–334.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vannier, B., & Raynaud, J. P. Long-term effects of prenatal oestrogen treatment on genital morphology and reproductive function in the rat. Journal of Reproduction and Fertility, 1980, 59, 43–49.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wade, G. N., & Zucker, I. Taste preferences of female rats: Modification by neonatal hormones, food deprivation and prior experience. Physiology and Behavior, 1969, 4, 935–943.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Walker, B. E. Induction of cleft palate in rats with anti-inflammatory drugs. Teratology, 1973, 4, 39–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whalen, R. E., Peck, C., & LoPiccolo, J. Virilization of female rats by prenatally administered progestin. Endocrinology, 1966, 78, 965–970.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Whitsett, J. M., Gray, L. E., & Bediz, G. M. Differential influence of stereoisomers of estradiol on sexual behavior of female hamsters. Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology, 1978, 92, 7–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Yalom, I. D., Green, R., & Fisk, S. Prenatal exposure to female hormones: Effect on psychosexual development in boys. Archives of General Psychiatry, 1973, 28, 554–561.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Zucker, I. Hormonal determinants of sex differences in saccharin preference, food intake and body weight. Physiology and Behavior, 1969, 4, 595–602.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, USA

    Ronald Gandelman

Authors
  1. Ronald Gandelman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, New York, USA

    Edward P. Riley

  2. Institute for Developmental Research, Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Charles V. Vorhees

  3. Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Charles V. Vorhees

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 Plenum Press, New York

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Gandelman, R. (1986). Behavioral Teratogenicity of Gonadal and Adrenal Steroids. In: Riley, E.P., Vorhees, C.V. (eds) Handbook of Behavioral Teratology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2189-7_20

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2189-7_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-9288-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2189-7

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation