EFFECTS OF ESTRADIOL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE BED NUCLEUS OF THE ACCESSORY OLFACTORY TRACT IN THE RAT

Orchidectomized males injected with a single dose of estradiol benzoat e (EB) on the day of birth (Dl) showed a volume and neuron number in t he nucleus of the accessory olfactory tract (BAOT) similar to that of control males. However, orchidectomized males and those orchidectomize d and given a single dose of DHT on D1 showed a decrease in BAOT volum e and neuron number with respect to control males. These results suppo rt the notion that estradiol induces the morphological masculinization of this structure. The inability of DHT in counteracting the effect o f orchidectomy is addressed taking into account the inhibitory action of androgens.