SDN-POA VOLUME, SEXUAL-BEHAVIOR, AND PARTNER PREFERENCE OF MALE-RATS AFFECTED BY PERINATAL TREATMENT WITH ATD

The present study investigated 1) the importance of the aromatization process during the perinatal period for the development of the sexuall y dimorphic nucleus in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (SDN-POA) of male rats, and 2) the relationship between SDN-POA volume and para meters of masculinization in male rats that were treated perinatally w ith the aromatase-inhibitor ATD. Males were treated with ATD either pr enatally or pre- and neonatally, or with the vehicle. Masculine sexual behavior and partner preference were investigated in adulthood. There after, animals were sacrificed and SDN-POA volume was measured. The SD N-POA volume was reduced in both the prenatally and the pre- and neona tally treated group, with a larger reduction in the latter than in the former group. Combined pre- and neonatal ATD treatment resulted in re duced frequency of mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations, as well as a reduced preference for a female over a male. The SDN-POA size was s ignificantly and positively correlated with frequency of masculine sex ual behavior, as well as preference for a female over a male.