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PubMed1994

Effects of FG 5893, a new compound with 5-HT1A receptor agonistic and 5-HT2 receptor antagonistic properties, on male rat sexual behavior.

In the present study male rat sexual behavior was used to explore the functional properties of FG 5893, a newly developed diphenylbutylpiperazinepyridyl derivative which is a 5-HT1A receptor agonist and a 5-HT2 receptor antagonist. Treatment with FG 5893 (0.1-6.0 mg kg-1) stimulated male rat sexual behavior, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of mounts and intromissions to elicit ejaculation, and a shortening of the ejaculation latency. The stimulatory effects varied in a dose-dependent manner, reaching a maximum at 3.0 mg kg-1. Pretreatment with (+/-)-pindolol (0.5 mg kg-1 -30 min), a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, completely antagonized the stimulatory effects of FG 5893 (1 mg kg-1 -20 min) on male sexual behavior. In addition, the behavioral action of FG 5893 was investigated on various components of the 'serotonin behavior syndrome' including flat body posture, forepaw treading, and lower lip retraction. The effects obtained were compared with those induced by treatment with 8-hydroxy-2(di-n-propyl-amino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), the prototype of a 5-HT1A receptor agonist. Compared to 8-OH-DPAT, a 100 times higher dose of FG 5893 (10 mg kg-1) was needed to elicit flat body posture while forepaw treading was never seen. Lower lip retraction was elicited by the lowest doses of FG 5893 (0.1 mg kg-1) and 8-OH-DPAT (0.03 mg kg-1). Treatment with (+/-)-pindolol reduced flat body posture elicited by 8-OH-DPAT and completely eradicated the flat body posture induced by FG 5893.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

8-Hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin↗

PubMed1997

GABAergic drugs and socio-sexual behavior.

To elucidate the role of GABA in the control of sexual behavior, the effects of the GABA(A) agonist 4,5,6,7-tetrahydroisoxazolo[5,4c]-pyridin-3-ol (THIP), the GABA transaminase inhibitors sodium valproate and gamma-acetylen-GABA (GAG), and the GABA synthesis inhibitors isoniazide and deoxypyridoxine were evaluated in sexual behavior, exploration, and sociosexual interactions with a receptive female or a castrated male. Furthermore, to discriminate possible general inhibitory effects from those specific to sexual behavior, the doses of the drugs that produced a significant inhibition of copulation were tested in a free drinking procedure. THIP (16 mg/kg), sodium valproate (400 mg/kg), GAG (100 mg/kg), and deoxypyridoxine (400 mg/kg) produced a strong inhibition of sexual behavior. The percentage of animals displaying mounts and intromissions as well as the mean number of mounts and intromissions were significantly reduced. Sociosexual interactions with a receptive female or a castrated male and exploratory behaviors were also reduced. The most consistent effects observed were reductions in sniffing, self-grooming, and rearing. Drinking behavior was significantly reduced in doses that inhibited sexual behavior. These results further support the hypothesis that altered GABAergic neurotransmission produces reduced sensitivity to environmental stimuli and thereby inhibits sexual and drinking behavior in a nonspecific way.

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Changes in masculine sexual behavior, corticosterone and testosterone in response to acute and chronic stress in male rats.

Chronic exposure to stressors increases HPA axis activity and concomitantly reduces HPG axis activity. This antagonistic relationship between both these axes has been proposed to underlie the inhibition of reproductive function due to stress. Sexual behavior in males may be the most vulnerable aspect of male reproduction to acute and chronic stress and it has been suggested that alterations in sexual behavior during stress are due to the antagonistic relationship between testosterone and corticosteroids. However, only in a few studies has a correlation between the levels of testosterone and corticosterone, and sexual behavior been made. In this study, we evaluated the effects of different stressors, applied both acute and chronically, on masculine sexual behavior and whether or not these effects on sexual behavior are accompanied by changes in plasma levels of corticosterone and testosterone. Additionally, we evaluated the effect of testosterone treatment on the effects of stress on sexual behavior. Sexually experienced male rats were exposed to one of the following stressors: immobilization (IMB), electric foot shocks (EFS) or immersion in cold water (ICW). Sexual behavior and plasma levels of testosterone and corticosterone were assessed on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 of stress. In a second experiment, males were castrated, treated with 3 different doses of testosterone propionate (TP) and exposed to ICW for 20 consecutive days. Sexual behavior was assessed on days 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 and steroids were evaluated on day 20. Parameters of masculine sexual behavior were modified depending on the characteristics of each stressor. Mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies increased significantly, the number of mounts increased, and ejaculations decreased significantly in males exposed to EFS and to ICW but not in males exposed to IMB. Associated with these effects, testosterone decreased in the EFS and ICW groups on days 1, 15, and 20. However, corticosterone increased only in males exposed to ICW. In castrated males, TP treatment failed to block the effects of stress by ICW on sexual behavior and corticosterone. These results indicate that the effects of stress on sexual behavior depend on the characteristics of each stressor, and these effects, as well as the decrease in testosterone are not necessarily associated with the increase in corticosterone. The fact that testosterone treatment did not prevent the effects of stress on sexual behavior suggests that other mediators could be involved in the alterations of sexual behavior caused by stress.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1999

Permanent and transient effects of repeated preweaning stress on social and sexual behaviors of rats.

We have reported that exposure of preweaning male and female rats to a model of unpredictable mild physical stressors (Neo-A) can decrease the behavioral and hormonal responses to acute and chronic stress as adults. In this paper we have analyzed the effect of Neo-A on development of social behaviors, including aggressiveness, social dominance, and sexual behavior in adulthood. The subjects were divided into two groups: Neo-A (daily exposed to unpredictable mild stresses- from day 2 up to day 15 of suckling; n = 30 litters) and controls (C) (undisturbed rats, except for testing, during the same period of life; n = 26 litters). When day 6 pups were submitted to a social clustering test the Neo-A group showed a higher rate of litter-mate clustering than C. The 35 days Neo-A males and Neo-A females submitted to a social behavior test after 24 h of social isolation also showed higher scores of time spent in active social interaction than controls, as well as a higher ratio of animals showing aggressive playing. A second social behavior test performed after 48 h of social isolation at days 75-80 of age revealed that only Neo-A females displayed increased social behavior and aggressive behaviors, whereas controls did not. A water competition test performed at 24 and 48 h after water deprivation showed that Neo-A adult males spent more time in possession of the drinking device and drank more frequently than C. When adult proestrous females were exposed to a sexual behavior test, the Neo-A group showed shorter latency and higher scores of lordosis quotient. These results support the view that exposure to this model of repeated mild stress early in life stimulates the development of social behavior, dominance and sexual behavior.

Age Factors↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Effects of long-term psychological stress on sexual behavior and brain catecholamine levels.

The effects of long-term psychological stress on sexual behavior and brain catecholamines were investigated in rats. Stress was applied using the communication box developed by Ogawa and Kuwabara (1996), and a psychological stress group (n = 12), a physical stress group (n = 5), and a control group (n = 5) were established. Stress was applied for 1 hour every day for 10 consecutive weeks. Sexual behavior was observed before the start of exposure to stress and 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 weeks thereafter. The results showed that long-term psychological stress impaired the sexual behavior of male rats. Long-term psychological stress decreased the concentrations of catecholamine and its metabolites in the brain, especially in the medial preoptic area (MPOA). Thus, we hypothesized that low catecholamine neurotransmission in the brain results in impairment of male rat sexual behavior. We then tried to restore the impaired sexual behavior by administration of a cerebral-activating drug, indeloxazine hydrochloride. The administration of indeloxazine hydrochloride for a 3-week period restored the sexual behavior that had been impaired by long-term psychological stress. These present results suggest that impairment of neurotransmission in the central nervous system could be a cause of sexual dysfunction, and activation of neurotransmission may result in restoration of impaired male sexual behavior.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed1982

Influence of estrogen-treated females on sexual behavior and male testosterone levels of a social group of rhesus monkeys during the nonbreeding season.

The effect of the sequential estradiol benzoate treatment of each of 6 ovariectomized (OVX) females on a social group of rhesus monkeys was examined during the period from May to August. The group was housed outdoors and was composed of 7 adult males and 5 intact females, in addition to the 6 OVX animals. Social behavior was observed and male testosterone levels were monitored before, during and after estrogen treatment of the OVX females. Behavior of an unmanipulated group was also examined, and no sexual behavior occurred in this control group from May through August. In contrast, the sexual behavior of both males and gonadally intact females of the experimental group increased when estrogen-treated females were present. Sexual behavior remained elevated after the estrogen-treated females had been removed and continued so into the breeding season. The sexual behavior of the untreated females was displayed in cycles about 26 days in length. Male testosterone levels increased to values typical of the breeding season. Aggressive and submissive behavior also increased during the treatment. These results confirm previous findings about the influence of estrogen-treated females on male sexual behavior, and present the first direct evidence of increased testosterone levels in this situation. In addition, the data suggest that the presence of estrogen-treated females can induce sexual behavior in the other females of the same social group.

Agonistic Behavior↗

PubMed1984

Involvement of the telencephalic hemispheres and the preoptic area in sexual behavior of the male goldfish, Carassius auratus: a brain-lesion study.

To locate the brain areas involved in sexual behavior, the effects on male sexual behavior of localized electrolytic lesions in various parts of the telencephalic hemispheres and the preoptic area and of gross ablations of parts of the telencephalic hemispheres were examined in goldfish. All three patterns of male sexual behavior examined (following, butting , and spawning) were severely impaired after bilateral lesions confined to the area ventralis telencephali pars supracommissuralis and/or posterior parts of the area ventralis telencephali pars ventralis (Vs- pVv ), the nucleus preopticus periventricularis (NPP), the lateral forebrain bundle ( LFB ), or the medial forebrain bundle (MFB). On the other hand, sexual behavior was almost unaffected after bilateral ablations of the anterior part or lateral and dorsal parts of the telencephalic hemispheres (AT or LT-DT). Bilateral lesions confined to the area ventralis telencephali pars dorsalis (Vd), the area ventralis telencephali pars postcommissuralis (Vp), the area dorsalis telencephali pars centralis (Dc), the nucleus preopticus (NPO), or the lateral preoptic area (LPA) also had almost no effect on sexual behavior. These results indicate that a particular site in the ventral part of the telencephalic hemispheres (Vs- pVv ) and the anterior part of the preoptic area (NPP) play important roles in the sexual behavior of male goldfish. It was suggested that facilitatory influences from these areas are transmitted through the LFB and/or the MFB.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Atenolol or butoxamine injection at the lateral septum doesn't inhibit male sexual behavior in rats.

To investigate the role of specific adrenoreceptors subtypes on sexual behavior, atenolol, butoxamine, a mixture of atenolol and butoxamine, and saline (vehicle) were injected into the lateral septum in four different groups of sexually active male rats. Application of a mixture of atenolol and butoxamine produced inhibition of copulatory activity. On the other hand, application of either atenolol or butoxamine alone did not inhibit copulatory activity. But it produced stimulation of some of the components of male sexual behavior. Inability of either atenolol or butoxamine to inhibit the male sexual behavior, and inhibition of the same by the mixture of atenolol and butoxamine, indicate that both beta-adrenoreceptors at the lateral septum are involved in the elaboration of male sexual behavior. Stimulation of some components of sexual behavior on application of atenolol or butoxamine could be attributed to an unbalanced activity of beta-adrenoreceptors.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Relationship between male-male and male-female sexual behavior in 5-6-month-old male lambs.

To characterize male-male sexual behavior during lamb development, to relate it with lamb body and testicular growth, and with sexual behavior toward estrual ewes, 40 Milchschaf male lambs, weaned at 45 days of age, were kept with ewes that were nursing younger lambs. Experimental lambs were weighed and scrotal circumference was measured every 2 weeks. Male-male sexual behavior was observed during 1-2 h every 2 weeks after birth until 7 months of age. Observations were recorded more intensively (3-4 h on five different days) for 2 weeks (5-6 months of age) as male-male sexual behavior increased during that period. Both mounting and mounted lambs were identified. An individual mounting index (MI) was calculated. To study male-female sexual behavior, lambs were individually located with two estrual ewes, and during 5 min the number of ano-genital sniffing, lateral approaches, mounts, and mounts with ejaculation were recorded. From those data, a libido index was also calculated. Male-male mounts (n=308) were observed. Courtship behavior was displayed in 25% of interactions; mounts were accepted in 72.1% of attempted mounts. Mounts without previous courtship were accepted more frequently than mounts with previous courtship (P=0.002). Lamb weight and scrotal circumference were not different according to MI groups. Lambs that mounted more times estrual ewes (first tertile) had greater (P=0.04) MI (0.61+/-0.10) than lambs with medium (0.27+/-0.09) and less (0.30+/-0.10) MI. The regression between MI and heterosexual libido index was r=0.33 (P<0.05). In summary, intensive male-male sexual activity during a short period of male lamb development was observed. There was a positive relationship between sexual behavior of male lambs towards other male lambs and towards estrual ewes.

Aging↗

PubMed2006

The role of the dorsolateral tegmentum in the control of male sexual behavior: a reevaluation.

The medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH) plays a key role in the control of male sexual behavior. Independently of the type, MPOA/AH lesions permanently eliminate male sexual behavior in the rat. The MPOA/AH projects among other structures to the dorsolateral tegmentum (DLT). Bilateral electrolytic lesions of the DLT or the unilateral electrolytic destruction of the MPOA/HA combined with a contralateral electrolytic lesion of the DLT eliminate male sexual behavior. In the present experiment, we evaluated if neurotoxic lesions of the DLT produce the same behavioral deficits as those observed after electrolytic lesions. This would allow us to evaluate if neurons of the DLT or the fibers passing through this area are important in the control of male sexual behavior. To this aim, sexually experience male rats were tested for socio-sexual behavior, partner preference and motor execution in order to determine if the possible behavioral changes could be attributed to alterations in sexual motivation or motor execution. One week after the bilateral DLT lesions the animals were evaluated in the same behavioral tests. The lesions were identified by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuronal nuclear protein (Neu-N) immunohistochemistry. No significant consistent effects upon sexual behavior were observed in any of the groups, including the group with clear bilateral damage of the DLT. A reduction in the percentage of males displaying ejaculation in the first post-lesion test was observed for all groups injected with quinolinic acid. No effects upon partner preference or motor coordination were observed after the lesion in any of the groups. The lack of effect of DLT neurotoxic lesions upon mating suggests that neurons of this structure are not involved in the control of male sexual behavior.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2006

Topiramate plus citalopram in the treatment of Compulsive-Impulsive Sexual Behaviors.

Compulsive-Impulsive Sexual Behaviors (C-ISBs) include repetitive sexual acts and compulsive sexual thoughts which occur so frequently and with such intensity that they interfere with sexual intimacy and interpersonal and occupational functioning and whose categorization and effective treatments are still unclear. We report the case of a patient affected by C-ISBs and bipolar disorder of type II who improved dramatically after three months' addition of topiramate to citalopram. Topiramate is a powerful anticonvulsant which has recently been proposed also for the treatment of migraine, bipolar disorder and binge eating disorder. This case-report suggests that topiramate might be beneficial in augmentation with citalopram in patients suffering from C-ISBs, although controlled studies to confirm our findings are needed.

Journal Article↗

PubMed1994

The behavioral component of the ram effect: the influence of ram sexual behavior on the induction of estrus in anovulatory ewes.

The objective of this study was to test whether the sexual behavior of the ram affects the ram effect. Rams exhibiting either high (HP) or low (LP) levels of sexual performance (on the basis of serving capacity tests) were exposed to 89 anestrous ewes for 28 d. Thirty-two anestrous ewes were not exposed to rams. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of estrus induction by HP (n = 4) vs LP (n = 4) rams. Plasma progesterone concentration was used as an index of ovarian activity. Groups of ewes were exposed to either an HP or an LP ram in a .32-ha pasture. Courtship behaviors of rams were recorded for 6 h on the initial day of exposure and for 30-min periods on alternate days thereafter. A greater percentage of ewes exposed to HP rams ovulated (95%) compared with ewes exposed to LP rams (78%) (P < .02). On the 1st d of exposure, the HP rams exhibited more courtship behavior and spent more time near the ewes (P < .04). The HP rams spent more time within 1 m of ewes during the 28-d exposure. There were no differences in the amount of contact with rams (LP or HP) between rise in progesterone indicate of ovulation tended to occur earlier (P = .06) in ewes penned with HP rams. A greater percentage of ewes exposed to LP rams (P = .03) had early elevations of progesterone with no concurrent sexual behavior. These data imply that in addition to a pheromone the sexual behavior of the ram may be important in initiating ovarian cycle activity.

Anestrus↗

PubMed1991

Effects of various tachykinins on pituitary LH secretion, feeding, and sexual behavior in the rat.

Our investigations of the four tachykinines tested have shown that NPK characteristically evoked a spectrum of biological effects in male and female rats. NPK suppressed pituitary LH release by inhibiting the release of hypothalamic LHRH, presumably by activation of NK-2 tachykinin receptor subtypes. However, NPK may also act at the level of gonadotrophs to stimulate LH release in male rats. Central injection of NPK rapidly disrupted copulatory behavior in sexually active male rats. NPK also suppressed feeding, but, in this case, peripheral injections were more effective than central injections. Taken together, these observations strongly imply that NPK may be an inhibitory messenger molecule in the hypothalamic control of reproduction, sexual, and feeding behaviors.

Animals↗

PubMed1995

Neurobiological correlates of masculine sexual behavior.

The experimental analysis of the neuroendocrine interactions regulating sexual behavior has traditionally relied on studying the effects of CNS lesions and pharmacological treatments with hormones or drugs purportedly acting through specific neurotransmitter systems. New methodological developments have allowed the assessment of several indices of neural function in experimental animals, particularly the rat, as they relate to behavioral changes. In the field of sexual behavior, ex vivo analyses have been used to measure markers of energy metabolism, such as 2-deoxyglucose uptake and Na,K-ATPase activity, the tissue content of neurotransmitters and metabolites, the levels of steroid receptors and neurosteroids, and immediate-early gene expression products in different areas of the CNS. In vivo studies have monitored brain electrical activity and temperature, as well as the extracellular levels of neurotransmitters and metabolites by cerebrospinal fluid sampling, push-pull perfusion and, especially, electrochemical recordings and microdialysis, in the course of mating and exposure to various relevant stimuli. The findings with the different methodologies are generally consistent and agree with those of previous surgical and pharmacological manipulations. They provide data on temporal relationships between neurobiological and behavioral events and suggest new interpretations for different aspects of the male copulatory pattern.

Animals↗

PubMed1976

The influence of hypothalamically administered reserpine on the sexual behavior of the female cat.

Ovariectomized cats with intracerebral implants of reserpine, a monoamine depletor, were tested for sexual behavior by introducing them to sexually vigorous males and by artificial stimulation. Approximately a third of the animals mated in response to reserpine and another third exhibited some components of sexual behavior. The behavior exhibited by these animals had none of the frenzy of normal estrous behavior. Some components of the normal pattern were missing while all others were curtailed in duration and vigor. These animals responded with normal sexual behavior to intracerebrally and systemically administered estrogen. It is suggested that the unusual sexual behavior in response to reserpine was due to the release of these behavioral patterns from a monoamine system, inhibitory to sexual behavior.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Sexual behavior in sleep, sleepwalking and possible REM behavior disorder: a case report.

Seven cases of sexual behavior during sleep (SBS) have been recently reported. The subjects had histories of behavioral parasomnias as well as positive family histories of parasomnia. A 27 year-old man with a history of sexual behavior during sleep was reported. His sleep history disclosed sleepwalking (SW) since 9 years of age. He also developed episodes of highly disruptive and violent nocturnal behavior with dream enactment at age 20 years, which often resulted in physical injuries either to himself or his wife and infant. His wife also reported episodes of amnestic sexual behavior that began 4 years before referral. During the episodes, the patient typically procured his wife, achieving complete sexual intercourse with total amnesia. Physical and neurological diagnostic workups were unremarkable. Family history disclosed sleepwalking in his brother. He was put on 2mg/day of bedtime clonazepam with a remarkable clinical improvement. This case involves either the combination of violent and non-violent sleepwalking with SBS, or the superimposition of presumed REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) on top of preexisting SW in a man who also developed SBS in adulthood. Thus, this is a case report of probable parasomnia overlap syndrome.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Sexual behavior and awareness of Chinese university students in transition with implied risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The vulnerability of young people to HIV and the recent emergence of the HIV epidemic in China have made it urgent to assess and update the HIV/STD risk profile of Chinese young people. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire survey with cross-sectional design was conducted among 22,493 undergraduate students in two universities in Ningbo, China. Bivariate trend analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to compare sexual behaviors and awareness between grades. RESULTS: Of respondents, 17.6% of males and 8.6% of females reported being sexually active. Condom was reported never/rarely used by 35% of sexually active students in both genders in the previous year. Pregnancy and induced abortion had each been experienced by about 10% of sexually active female students and the female partners of male students, and about 1.5% of sexually active students of both genders reported being diagnosed with an STD. Multivariate analysis revealed that students in lower grades, compared to those in higher grades, were more likely to have become sexually active before university, to have become aware of sex before high school, and to have been exposed to pornographic media before the age of 17 years, and for sexually active respondents of both genders, to have engaged in sex without using a condom. CONCLUSION: Sexual behaviors of Chinese university students are poorly protected and sexual behaviors and awareness may have been undergoing rapid change, becoming active earlier and more risky. If this trend continues, vulnerable sexual network will grow among them that allow more expansion of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV.

Abortion, Induced↗

PubMed1990

Role of androgens in the regulation of sexual behavior in the female musk shrew.

These experiments were conducted to determine whether androgens are involved in the regulation of female sexual behavior in the musk shrew (Suncus murinus). In the musk shrew, sexual behavior can be reinstated after ovariectomy by the administration of supraphysiological doses of either estradiol (E2) or testosterone. However, physiological doses of E2 are not effective in this regard. To examine the role of androgens, ovariectomized (OVX) females received testosterone-filled hormone implants. These implants reinstated sexual behavior in a dose-dependent manner. To determine whether the aromatization of androgen is essential for restoration of sexual behavior, the nonaromatizable androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), was administered to OVX females either alone or with an implant containing E2; sexual behavior was not restored. In the third experiment, gonadally intact females, treated with the aromatization inhibitor 1,4,6-androstatriene-3,17-dione (ATD) exhibited no sexual behavior and had significantly lower levels of aromatase activity in the medial basal hypothalamus/preoptic area than control females. In the last experiment, OVX females implanted with testosterone and given concurrent ATD treatment demonstrated significantly less sexual behavior as compared with controls. These results suggest that either estrogens produced via androgen aromatization in the brain and/or an intermediate product in the aromatization process are involved in the regulation of sexual behavior in the female musk shrew.

Androgens↗