Inhibiting influence of testosterone on stress responsiveness during adolescence

► We manipulated testosterone (T) concentrations in male guinea pigs during adolescence. ► In late adolescence, we examined cortisol responsiveness. ► Males with high T values during adolescence had low cortisol response and vice versa. ► Thus, T has an inhibiting effect on cortisol responsiveness during adolescence. ► Adolescence may be a switch point for the adaptive modulation of the stress response.