[Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits aggressive behavior in castrated male mice].

Group-housed triads of castrated male Mice attack lactating female intruders. We had previously observed that testosterone or oestradiol inhibited this aggressive behavior. The Mouse brain contains relatively large mounts of dehydroepiandrosterone (D), therefore we have investigated the behavioral effect of this steroid. D was inactive in intact males, whereas it markedly inhibited the attack directed by castrated males, when delivered by an osmotic minipump at the dose of 83 micrograms/day. D was also given by daily injections for 15 days in oil solution, the dose of 80 micrograms/day decreased attacks of castrated males below the level of intact controls, the dose of 40 micrograms was partly active, whereas the dose of 20 micrograms was inactive.