Differential effect of testosterone and repetitive induction on cataleptic and dorsal immobility in mice

In nature, many species under conditions of stress (e.g., predator attack, pups carried by the mother, mating) show immobility states called "immobility responses" (IRs), which are characterized by the complete absence of movement and a relative unresponsiveness. These IR states can be induced by several kinds of sensorial stimuli. Many brain neurotransmitters from diverse cerebral areas participate in the expression of IRs. Other factors are also involved in IRs, such as learning and hormones, but at present, there is not enough experimental support about these factors. Our purpose was to investigate whether the IRs are subject to sexual hormone modulation and to examine the possible relation to learning processes. We tested the effects of acute testosterone decanoate (30 mg/kg, s.c.) and repetitive induction of two IRs; cataleptic immobility (CAT) and dorsal immobility (DI). These were tested in mice of both sexes which were either gonadectomized or sham-treated. CAT and DI were measured before and then 1 and 5 h after testosterone injection. The results show a differential effect of the repetitive induction on CAT and DI. CAT was augmented with repetition, and DI was decreased. Sex differences of the effects of the acute testosterone treatment were observed. Sham and castrated male mice showed CAT potentiation; in contrast, DI was reduced albeit only in sham male mice. Sham and ovariectomized female mice were not affected by testosterone. These results support the hypothesis that there are multiple immobility systems that can be differentially modulated by brain regions associated with processes of learning.