PRECOCIOUS MASCULINE BEHAVIOR FOLLOWING ADMINISTRATION OF SYNTHETIC MALE HORMONE SUBSTANCE

Abstract

In humans who had received injections of synthetic male hormone substance there was noted a tendency toward modes of action that could be considered more virile (1, 2). Since, however, these individuals realized they were being injected with an androgenic substance, and observed resultant stimulation of such responses as lowering of the voice, hair growth and penile development and erections, it is possible that such changes in behavior as occurred concomitantly might have been in some large part due to the patients' awareness of the situation.

To differentiate action of male hormone substance upon behavior, as distinct from responses due to knowledge of the injection of androgens, animals were used. In view of the distinguished character of the cock's actions chicks were chosen for observation of any precocious masculine behavior following administration of male hormone substance.