Hormones and Behavior — Introduction

A little Historical Background

Endocrinology:

Endocrine—

Hormone—

How can we study the function of a particular hormone?

Hypothetical experiment: Let's say I have discovered a new hormone produced by the adrenal gland of rats, which I have humbly named "Boberone". How can I experimentally determine the effects this hormone has on rat behavior?

extirpation:

hormone replacement:

Manipulation of hormone effects on body:

Decrease effects on body:

Increase effects on body:

Effects of castration of male

Cow—

Chicken—

Human—

Important: Different effects depending on age at which castration occurs.

prepuberty—

postpuberty—

Organizational effects of hormones: relatively permanent effects of hormones on structure and function of the body. Often there is a critical period of development during which these organizational effects can take place. The most important critical periods are during fetal development and puberty.

Activational effects of hormones: immediate (temporary) effects of hormones that "come and go" with the presence and absence of the hormone.