Differential influence of stereoisomers of estradiol on sexual behavior of female hamsters.

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Abstract
Morphological and behavioral responses to estradiol-17.beta. (E2-17.beta.) and estradiol-17.alpha. (E2-17.alpha.) were examined. E2-17.beta. augmented uterine growth in hamsters [Mesocricetus auratus] to a greater extent than did E2-17.alpha.. Lordosis in ovariectomized adults was elicited by treatment with E2-17.beta. but not with E2-17.alpha. (each tested in combination with progesterone). When administered neonatally, only E2-17.beta. disrupted estrous cyclicity in the intact female and induced the ability to mount in ovariectomized, androgen-treated adults. The results suggest the existence of a stereospecific response to estrogenic stimulation in neural tissue comparable with that occurring in the uterus.