Lesions of the medial preoptic area/anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/AH) modify partner preference in male rats

Abstract

When given the choice, male rats will interact with a receptive female while female rats will interact with a sexually active male. In the present experiment partner preference was tested in male and female rats before and after lesions of the medial preoptic area of the anterior hypothalamus (MPOA/HA). Subjects were gonadectomized, treated for 10 days with 5 μg/kg of estradiol benzoate (EB) and tested for male coital behavior with receptive females and for partner preference in a three compartment box with free access to either a sexually receptive female or a sexually active male. The same tests were repeated after 10 days of treatment with 5 mg/kg of testosterone propionate (TP). The subjects then received a bilateral electrolytic lesion aimed at the MPOA/AH. Two weeks after the lesion the hormonal treatments and behavioral tests were repeated in the same sequence. Prior to the lesion, females showed a clear preference to interact with the stimulus male while male subjects showed a preference to interact with the receptive female regardless of the hormonal treatment they received. After lesions the females preference for the opposite sex was not modified, they spent more time in the chamber with the stimulus male regardless of whether they had an extensive bilateral destruction of the MPOA/AH or a sham lesion. Males with bilateral destruction of the MPOA/AH changed their partner preference after the lesion. They spent significantly more time in the chamber with the stimulus male than in the chamber with the receptive female. As well, the coital behavior of males with bilateral destruction of the MPOA/AH was significantly reduced after the lesion. The change of preference was observed when the lesioned animals were treated either with EB or TP. The results of the present experiment further support the notion that the MPOA/AH is a crucial structure in the integration of sensory cues that determine partner preference.