Comparative characteristics of learning and behavior processes in conditions of elevated sex hormone levels.

The effects of elevated levels of sex hormones resulting from systemic administration of hormone preparations on the abilities to learn and retain memory traces and on behavior were studied in rats of both sexes. Experiments were performed using models of conditioned active and passive avoidance reflexes and in the "open" field test. Increases in testosterone and estradiol levels had no effect on passive learning. Increases in testosterone levels in male rats led to derangement of active learning but had no effect on animal behavior. Elevated estradiol levels in female rats accelerated active learning and increased the animals' behavioral activity.