Effects of adrenalectomy upon proceptivity, receptivity and sexual attractiveness in ovariectomized marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

The sexual behaviour of seven pairs of marmosets was observed during blocks of 30 minute tests before and after the ovariectomized partners were bilaterally adrenalectomized. Adrenalectomized females were maintained by intramuscular injections of deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DC) and hydrocortisone hemisuccinate (HC). Twice daily injections of HC were required to maintain the high levels of plasma cortisol typical of marmosets and some other New World primates. Adrenalectomy had no significant effects upon proceptivity, receptivity or female sexual attractiveness. Increasing the replacement dose of DC had no effects upon sexual behaviour. Oestradiol treatment caused a marked increase in proceptivity (tongue-flicking, staring and immobile displays) and in receptive tongue-flicking behaviour. Males ejaculated more frequently during tests with oestradiol-treated partners. These results indicate that during "pair tests" adrenocortical sex steroids are not essential for maintenance of sexual behaviour in female marmosets and that activation of proceptivity by oestradiol 17 beta can occur in the absence of the adrenal glands.