Lesion of the insular cortex affects luteinizing hormone and testosterone secretion of rat. Lateralized effect.

ABSTRACT

The possible involvement of the insular cortex in the neural control of the hypophyseal-testicular axis was studied in male rats. Right- but not left-sided lesion of the insular cortex resulted in a significant decrease in basal testosterone secretion in vitro and serum testosterone concentration. Both right- and left-sided lesions of the insular cortex induced significant increase in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration. Unilateral lesion of the insular cortex on either sides had no effect on serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level. The results indicate that the insular cortex is involved in the control of testosterone and LH secretion. The data further suggest that the right insular cortex plays a predominant role in the control of male endocrine reproductive processes.