Chronic periadolescent leuprolide exposure affects the development of reproductive physiology and behavior of female and male rats differently, but both mature after treatment termination

Abstract

Highlights Leuprolide acetate (50 µg/kg, postnatal day 25–50) suppresses pubertal development in female and male rats. Estrous cyclicity is suppressed during treatment in female rats. Development of male copulatory behavior and sexual motivation is significantly delayed but reaches control levels within a month of treatment termination. Female sexual motivation and fertility are unaffected by leuprolide once treatment ends.

Keywords

• GnRH agonist
• Partner preference
• Sexual motivation
• Estrous cycle
• Vaginal opening
• Preputial separation