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The ribonucleic acid (RNA) base percentages were estimated in the hypothalamus, amygdala, hippocampus, frontal cortex, cerebellum and spinal cord of adult intact female rabbits, and after ovariectomy followed by replacement therapy with oestradiol-17β, progesterone and oestradiol plus progesterone. The results indicate a lack of effect on the spinal cord, but a variable effect on all other brain regions examined. In response to the various treatments, all regions examined produced RNA very rich in guanosine monophosphate indicating synthesis of specific RNA. The hypothalamus showed the most significant overall changes. Progesterone injections resulted in the most persistent effects of the hormonal treatments employed. Hypotheses are proposed to explain the variable hormonal effects on brain RNA base composition. It is suggested that ovarian hormones produce specific molecular changes in nervous tissue related either to 'receptors' for the hormones or to neural functions related to behavioural phenomena which are mediated by these hormones.