Short latency induction of lordosis by ether in estrogen-primed female rats.

Brief ether exposure induced high quality sexual receptivity in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated rats, presumably by increasing the secretion of adrenal progestins. Adrenalectomy completely blocked the effects of ether on this behavior. The onset of receptivity occurred 30--60 min following ether exposure; latencies much shorter than those previously reported necessary for adrenal mediation of female sexual behavior. The rapid onset and high quality of female behavior induced by adrenal secretions indicate that the adrenal glands can be sources of artifact when attempting to identify nonadrenal factors controlling receptivity.