Gonad-Brain Relationship: Effects of Castration and Testosterone on Electroshock Convulsions in Male Rats1

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Abstract
The effects of castration and testosterone on brain excitability were investigated in male rats by measuring the minimal electroshock seizure threshold and the maximal electroshock seizure pattern. The principal results were: (a) Castration. Postpuberally castrated rats demonstrated less excitability than intact controls, as shown by changes in the maximal seizure pattern. However, excitability, measured by seizure thresholds, appeared slightly increased when castration was performed prepuberally. (b) Testosterone. The daily administration of high doses of testosterone to castrated rats increased the seizure threshold, whereas low and moderate doses had no effect. This decrease in excitability was further evidenced by an anticonvulsant effect on the maximal seizure pattern at 74 days of age after 2 weeks of testosterone injections. On the other hand, continued administration of the androgen reversed the anticonvulsant pattern to a convulsant one at 95 and 109 days of age, even though seizure thresholds were still increased. It is concluded that testosterone can have both a convulsant and an anticonvulsant effect on brain function, depending on several factors such as the dose of the hormone, the age of the animal and the type of seizure studied.