Hormonal basis of proceptivity and receptivity in female primates

Abstract

The role played by steroid hormones in regulating the sexual behavior of female primates is reviewed, with emphasis placed on experiments using nonhuman species. A distinction is made between the effects of hormones on female proceptivity (i.e., behaviors which incite mounting activity in the male) and receptivity (i.e., willingness to accept male mounting attempts). The rationale for distinguishing between proceptivity and receptivity is discussed, and the methods used for measuring each are described. Evidence shows that estrogen of ovarian origin facilitates sexual interaction primarily by stimulating the emission of non-behavioral cues which increase the female's sexual attractivity (i.e., the value of a female as a sexual stimulant for a male). Evidence is presented suggesting that ostrogen may enhance proceptivity by acting on the female's central nervous system; however, there is no clear demonstration that estrogen affects neural mechanisms controlling receptivity. Experiments show that proceptivity and to a lesser extent receptivity are modulated by adrenal androgens, and the possibility is raised that adrenal androgens may act synergistically with estrogen to facilitate sexual behavior. A disruptive effect of progesterone on sexual interaction is described, and evidence is presented suggesting that this effect of progesterone results primarily from a reduction in sexual attractivity caused by the action of the hormone in the female's vagina. Other literature indicates that proceptivity is often maximal at the periovulatory period of the female primate's menstrual cycle whereas cyclic variations in receptivity occur infrequently. Most hormone-dependent changes in sexual interaction associated with the menstrual cycle seem to result from fluctuations in nonbehavioral attributes of female sexual attractivity. The problem of distinguishing between the effects of steroid hormones on proceptivity and receptivity in human females is discussed.

Analysis of the Estrous Cycle of the Laboratory-Housed Senegal Galago (Galago senegalensis senegalensis) : Natural and Induced Cycles

“…This paper reports findings on estrogen and gonadotropin treatment of both castrate and intact females of our colony. In addition, reproductive behavior also hinges on gonadal hormones in female primates [for review, see Baum et al, 1977], and this aspect was also addressed for the female Senegal galago in the present report.…”

Differences in Blood Levels of Androgens in Female Talapoin Monkeys Related to Their Social Status

“…Our work on rhesus monkeys has shown that the behaviour that the females use to initiate sexual contact with males Cproceptivity') is particularly sensitive to androgen deficit [2]. The sexual interest of the male rhesus in females is more dependent on the latter's oestrogen levels ('attractiveness'), though the relation between a given hormone and a defined behaviour is not always simple: for example, females offer ing high levels of soliciting behaviour may, for that reason, be more attractive [2], Nevertheless, we were not able to de termine, in the observations reported here, why males ap parently found dominant females sexually more attractive, though this certainly would contribute to their reproductive success relative to those of lower rank. It is, of course, pos sible that androgen levels were higher in dominant females as a consequence of the males' greater sexual interest in them.…”

Sexuality and Menopause

“…A tenable hypothesis is that erotic imagery, sensations and actions are maintained well functioning in both men and women by an drogens'. This hypothesis has been adopted and confirmed in primate laboratory experi ments [reviewed by Baum et al, 1977], and in clinical gynecological endocrinology [Sherwin and Gelfand, 1987], Postmenopausal steroidal replacement therapy that includes a minimal nonmascu linizing dose of androgen for its erotic en hancing effect is both endorsed and repu diated, professionally. The argument for it is based on its effectiveness.…”