On again, off again effects of gonadectomy on the acoustic startle reflex in adult male rats.

Numerous studies have shown sex and/or estrous cycle differences in the acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and its prepulse inhibition (PPI) in humans and animals. However, few have examined the effects of hormone manipulations on these behaviors. This study paired gonadectomy (GDX) in adult male rats with testing for ASR and PPI at 2, 4, 9, 16, 23, 30 and 37 days after surgery.