Somato-social development in the rhesus monkey following olfactory bulbectomy

Bilateral olfactory bulbectomy was performed on the rhesus macaque (M. mulatta) at 6 to 8 months of age. Social interaction and plasma testosterone levels obtained at approximately 2-1/2 years of age indicated that early olfactory bulb ablation resulted in higher levels of aggressivity concomitant with lower levels of social facilitory behavior. Bulbectomy did not interfere with the development of normal sexual posturing and orientation at the juvenile stage. Lower testosterone levels in the anosmic females indicated possible delay in the onset of puberty, while no differences were found in testosterone between the anosmic and control males. This investigation was supported by Behavioral Science Foundation, Los Angeles, California.