Spatial abilities are not related to testosterone levels and variation in the androgen receptor in healthy young men

Androgens modulate brain functions such as cognition, emotions and ability. Several studies have shown a correlation between testosterone levels and mental rotation. The aim of the present study was to confirm the influence of salivary testosterone levels, 2D/4D ratio (such as a putative marker of prenatal testosterone), and sensitivity of androgen receptor on the mental rotation in healthy young men. Seventy-five healthy young men (age, 21.86 year) volunteered in this study. Mental rotation scores of our subjects were assessed using the Vandenberg and Kuse Mental Rotation Test. The 2D/4D finger length ratio as an indicator of prenatal testosterone was used as an average measurement of both hands. Correlation analysis revealed no correlation between salivary testosterone levels and mental rotation. However, we have observed a trend towards a negative correlation. There were no statistically significant results between 2D/4D ratio and mental rotation or between polymorphic three-nucleotide (CAG) repeats and mental rotation tests. Future studies should focus on other genetic determinants of spatial abilities, potentially genes involved in testosterone metabolism.