Abstract
In this research we examined hormonal correlates of hand preference in free-ranging primates. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that levels of the stress hormone cortisol and the male sex hormone testosterone are correlated with handedness in male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We found significant positive relationships between cortisol and testosterone levels sampled during adolescence and the frequency of right- versus left-hand use sampled during adulthood. These data indicate that adolescent measures of cortisol and testosterone are correlated with hemispheric specialization in adult free-ranging primates.
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Acknowledgements
The subjects for this research are part of a breeding colony supported by LABS of Virginia Inc. under Food and Drug Administration Contract 223-92-1101. LABS of Virginia Inc. is an AAALAC accredited institution. The LABS of Virginia Inc. Animal Care and Use Committee approved a research protocol for this study in accordance with and as required by the Animal Welfare Act. The authors thank Dr. Phillip Snoy (FDA) and LABS of Virginia Inc. for authorization to conduct this research.
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Westergaard, G., Chavanne, T., Lussier, I. et al. Hormonal Correlates of Hand Preference in Free-ranging Primates. Neuropsychopharmacol 23, 502–507 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(00)00141-X
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0893-133X(00)00141-X
