Display Settings:

Format

Send to:

Choose Destination
    Horm Behav. 2007 Jun;52(1):45-55. Epub 2007 Apr 19.

    Sexual behavior in male rodents.

    Source

    Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, USA. hull@psy.fsu.edu

    Abstract

    The hormonal factors and neural circuitry that control copulation are similar across rodent species, although there are differences in specific behavior patterns. Both estradiol (E) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) contribute to the activation of mating, although E is more important for copulation and DHT for genital reflexes. Hormonal activation of the medial preoptic area (MPOA) is most effective, although implants in the medial amygdala (MeA) can also stimulate mounting in castrates. Chemosensory inputs from the main and accessory olfactory systems are the most important stimuli for mating in rodents, especially in hamsters, although genitosensory input also contributes. Dopamine agonists facilitate sexual behavior, and serotonin (5-HT) is generally inhibitory, though certain 5-HT receptor subtypes facilitate erection or ejaculation. Norepinephrine agonists and opiates have dose-dependent effects, with low doses facilitating and high doses inhibiting behavior.

    PMID:
    17499249
    [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
    PMCID:
    PMC1952538
    Free PMC Article

      Supplemental Content

      Icon for Elsevier Science Icon for PubMed Central

      Save items

      loading

      Recent activity

      Your browsing activity is empty.

      Activity recording is turned off.

      Turn recording back on

      See more...
      Write to the Help Desk