Abstract
The medial forebrain bundle (MFB) plays an important role in the central elaboration of male sexual behavior. However the role of its ascending monoaminergic systems is not well understood. By selective lesions of catecholaminergic and serotoninergic axons of the MFB, produced with 6-OHDA and 5-7-DHT respectively, its possible involvement in male sexual behavior was studied. The evaluation of the behavioral patterns was studied by means of a microcomputer which also permitted the quantification of sequences in the sexual behavior patterns. Lesions with 5–7 DHT increased the intromission-ejaculation sequences and the percentage of ejaculatory males, without modifying other behavioral tests. Lesions with 6-OHDA diminished the number of “active” sexual patterns and motor activity. In order to check the specificity of the chemical lesions, the in vitro uptake of labeled norepinephrine and serotonin was measured, 5–7 DHT lesioned rats show a reduction in the uptake of 5-HT-C 14 in the MPOA while 6-OHDA group show a reduction of NA-H 3 in the striatum.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
