Inhibitory effect of 5-hydroxytryptophane on the induction of persistent estrus by androgen in the rat.

Effects of monoamines or its precursors on the induction of persistent estrus by testosterone propionate (T.P.) were studied in Wistar strain female rats. Daily treatment with 5-hydroxytryptophane (5-HTP) for the first 10 days of life delayed the occurrence of persistent estrus in rats given T.P. at 4 days of age. The onset of persistent estrus occurred in this group of animals at 67.1+/-2.5 days of age compared with 45.1+/-1.4 days of age for the saline treated control group. The role of hypothalamic monoamines in contributing to the induction of persistent estrus by T.P. treatment of neonatal rats is discussed.