The neurobehavioral effects of phytoestrogens in male Syrian hamsters

Brain Research
Tim O MooreLaura O'Farrell

Abstract

We used a phytoestrogen (PE) and a phytoestrogen-free (PE-Free) diet to determine whether or not diet can have neurobehavioral effects on intermale aggression in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). In Experiment 1, 20 adult male hamsters were pre-tested for aggression and then placed on a PE (n=10) or a PE-Free diet (n=10) for 4 weeks in isolation. During week 5, experimental hamsters were exposed to a group-housed, nonaggressive opponent (NAO) for 5 min in a neutral cage arena. PE-fed hamsters exhibited more attacks (33.4+/-6.1) toward the NAO compared to the PE-Free-fed hamsters (18.1+/-4) (p<0.05). Interestingly, testosterone in the blood serum was higher in the PE-fed group (11.01+/-1.48 ng/ml) compared to the PE-Free group (6.5+/-0.87 ng/ml). In Experiment 2, 16 juvenile hamsters were weaned onto a PE (n=8) or a PE-Free diet (n=8). After 7 weeks on the diet, experimental hamsters were exposed to a NAO for 5 min in a neutral cage arena. Although the PE group exhibited higher levels of aggressive behavior, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. However, the PE group had higher levels of testosterone (9.0+/-0.95 ng/ml) compared to the PE-Free group (4.6+/-0.98 ng/ml) (p<0.05). In addition, ana...Continue Reading

Citations

Feb 22, 2005·Journal of Neuroendocrinology·H B Patisaul
Mar 1, 2012·Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology·Elena CholerisMartin Kavaliers
Jul 27, 2011·Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology·Chengjun YuFengqin He
Apr 13, 2010·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Shuangyan ZengXia Zhang
Mar 30, 2010·Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology·Heather B Patisaul, Wendy Jefferson
Mar 22, 2007·Physiology & Behavior·Lori N EidsonAras Petrulis
Apr 6, 2006·Environmental Pollution·Ethan D Clotfelter, Alison C Rodriguez
Jul 5, 2017·Frontiers in Endocrinology·Heather B Patisaul

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