Social-environmental factors affecting behavior and plasma testosterone in normal and amygdala lesionedM. Speciosa

Qualitative and quantitative measures indicated that no recovery in social isolation was evident and Alterations in dominance in the postoperative period were followed by concomitant changes in testosterone levels.

Abstract

A social group ofM. speciosa were observed in a laboratory enclosure and subsequently transferred to a 1/2 acre corral. Lesions of the baso-lateral amygdaloid nuclei inM. speciosa resulted in a disruption of affiliative behavior which did not recover over a three month period of continuous observation. Qualitative and quantitative measures indicated that no recovery in social isolation was evident. Social stress produced transient cohesiveness. Polymorphus sexual behavior increased in both operates and normals while in a laboratory enclosure but was absent when placed in a 1/2 acre enclosure. Plasma testosterone levels were related to social rank in both males and females. Alterations in dominance in the postoperative period were followed by concomitant changes in testosterone levels.