Differential influence of stereoisomers of estradiol on sexual behavior of female hamsters.
Morphological and behavioral responses to estradiol-17 beta (E2-17 beta) and estradiol-17 alpha (E2-17 alpha) were examined in a series of three experiments. The E2-17 beta augmented uterine growth in hamsters to a greater extent than did E2-17 alpha. Lordosis in ovariectomized adults was elicited by treatment with E2-17 beta but not with E2-17 alpha (each tested in combination with progesterone). When administered neonatally only E2-17 beta disrupted estrous cyclicity in the intact female and induced the ability to mount in ovariectomized, androgen-treated adults. These results suggest the existence of a stereospecific response to estrogenic stimulation in neural tissue comparable with that occurring in the uterus.
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D006224:Cricetinae; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004952:Esters; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004971:Estrus / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D011247:Pregnancy; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000254:growth & development
D004952:Esters; D004958:Estradiol