Monoamine levels in the nucleus accumbens correlate with male sexual behavior in middle-aged rats

Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
Houng-Wei TsaiYuan-Feen Tsai

Abstract

The correlation between monoamine levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and male sexual behavior was studied in middle-aged rats. Male rats (18-19months) were assigned to three groups: (1) Group MIE consisted of rats showing mounts, intromissions, and ejaculations; (2) Group MI was composed of rats showing mounts and intromissions, but no ejaculation; and (3) Group NC were non-copulators showing no sexual behavior. Young adult rats (4-5months), displaying complete copulatory behavior, were used as the control group. Levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin, and norepinephrine and their metabolites in the NAcc were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. No difference was seen in DA levels between MIE rats and young controls, whereas DA levels in NC rats were significantly lower than those in both MIE and MI rats. Serotonin levels in NC rats were significantly higher than those in MIE and MI rats. Conversely, norepinephrine levels in NC rats were lower than those in MIE rats. These results suggest that monoamine levels in the NAcc correlate with sexual performance in male rats and that changes in NAcc monoamine levels might affect male sexual behavior in middle-aged rats.

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Citations

Aug 12, 2008·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·Joyce C ChenYuan-Feen Tsai
Oct 9, 2008·Neurochemical Research·C David Rollo
Mar 13, 2012·Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior·Molly M HyerOwen R Floody
Jan 29, 2011·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·David R Gastfriend
Nov 23, 2006·Experimental Neurology·Ignacio Cruz-MurosTomás González Hernández
Oct 20, 2010·Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews·Danielle S Stolzenberg, Michael Numan

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