Conditioned place preference, induced by intraperitoneal injections of 5 micrograms/kg luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), was studied by varying the interval between the injection of LHRH and the conditioning sessions. Place preference was investigated for five presession intervals (0, 15, 45, 75, and 120 min) in separate groups of gonadectomized male rats provided with a subcutaneous testosterone implant. It was shown that the presession interval is an important parameter in the development of LHRH-induced conditioned place preference. Place preference was not observed after conditioning with intervals of 0, 75, and 120 min. With 15 and 45 min, however, a reliable preference was induced by LHRH. This study provides insight into the onset and offset of the appetitive stimulus properties of LHRH in male rats.