Alterations In Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Effect of Arthrospira (Spirulina) maxima on Cadmium-Chloride-Induced Alterations in Sexual Behavior and Fertility in Male Wistar Rats.

Chronic exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as cadmium (Cd) leads to male reproductive toxicity through the generation of oxidative stress. Spirulina Arthrospira maxima (AM) is a cyanobacterium that has been consumed since ancient times for its high nutritional value, and in recent years for its antiviral, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects, among others. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of AM against the damage to reproductive health induced by Cd. A total of 48 10-week-old sexually experienced male Wistar rats were distributed in five groups (n = 8): control; vehicle (tween-water); cadmium chloride (CdCl2) 5 mg/kg; and three doses of AM (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) + CdCl2 5 mg/kg. All treatments were orally administered once a day for 36 consecutive days. At the end, sexual behavior was evaluated, and semen, testicle, and blood samples were obtained to analyze sperm quality, enzymatic activity, and testosterone levels, respectively. Rats exposed to Cd showed a decrease in sexual behavior, as well as in the quality of reproductive health, and an increase in oxidative stress; while rats exposed simultaneously to AM + Cd showed an improvement in all this parameters. Based on our results, we believe that the mechanism by which AM exerts its effect could be attributed to the presence of phycobiliproteins. These compounds are responsible for exerting an antioxidant effect and chelating effect on elements such as Cd.

The Role of Oxytocin, Prolactin, and Estrogen in Male Sexual Functions

Background: The dysfunction in sexual ability has effects on the quality of life in men. Oxytocin plays a role in sexual and social behaviors. Hyperprolactemic males had erectile dysfunction. Endogenous estrogens in men, are not only important for health integrity but can additionally cause the promotion of many diseases. Objectives: The current review aimed to high light on the role of oxytocin, prolactin, and estrogen in male sexual functions. Oxytocin neurons have been heavily implicated in mediating sexual behavior in both humans and animals. Oxytocin hormone regulates social behaviors such as mating, maternal/paternal care, and bonding. Oxytocin levels rise during mating in females and males in humans and animals and may mediate anxiolytic/calming effects of sexual activity and antidepressant effects.Oxytocin’s role in regulating erection and ejaculation has been studied in mice and rats. Oxytocinergic projections from the paraventricular nucleus to the hippocampus, medulla oblongata, and spinal cord facilitate penile erection. Prolactin (PRL) serves a dual function both as a circulatory hormone and as a cytokine. PRL is known to be involved in the control of male copulatory behavior in humans, mice, rats, and other rodent models. It release during copulation in males and has a positive modulation for various aspects of testicular functions which hinting at the crucial role of prolactin in male reproduction. The lower concentration of prolactin was associated with reduced seminal vesicle volume and ejaculate in the infertile human male. Hypoprolactinemia has been associated with premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by tumors, drugs, or idiopathic, leading to alterations in sexual behavior as loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. It is also reported that it can cause endocrine disturbances leading to abnormal levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH. Chronic hyperprolactinaemia suppresses copulatory behaviour in animal models and yields sexual dysfunction and other side effects in men. In men, testosterone acting via its action on androgen receptors may be dependent on the action of aromatase enzyme on of testosterone and converting it to estradiol (E2). Estrogens act through ERα and ERβ at the plasma membrane and in the nucleus to regulate functions of many organs in men. The role of estradiol action on libido is seen at various levels of regulation, starting with direct effects in the brain. Not only does estradiol modulate sexual behavior in the adult male, it also appears to organize the early brain to program sexual behavior. The exact role of estradiol in each area of male sexual function including libido, spermatogenesis, and erectile function is difficult to determine. A complex balance of testosterone, estradiol, aromatase, and estrogen receptors in brain, testes, and penis, confirmed the indispensable and highly regulated hormonal interaction of estrogen in the male. Conclusion: It can be concluded that oxytocin hormone regulates social behaviors such as mating, maternal/paternal care, and bonding. PRL is involved in the control of male copulatory behavior in humans, rats, mice, and other rodent models. Hypoprolactinemia has been associated with reduced seminal vesicle volume, premature ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia can be caused by tumors, drugs, or idiopathic, leading to alterations in sexual behavior as loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. Also, hyperprolactemic males had erectile dysfunction. Estradiol modulates sexual behavior in the adult male, and appears to organize the early brain to program sexual behavior.

Correlation of HPV Vaccination Status and Sexual Behavior: A Study of Adolescent and Young Women in Greece

Objective: To evaluate sexual behavior of adolescent and young women and the extent to which these were affected by HPV vaccination . Methods: Prospective observational study of 287 females 12 to 26 years attending an outpatient PAG Clinic of a University Hospital. Patients were asked to fill an anonymous questionnaire of 84 questions regarding demographic characteristics, HPV awareness and sexual behavior. Attitudes and alterations in sexual behavior in relation to HPV vaccination were compared between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated group. Results: Of the population of 287 young women that was studied, 125 (43.6%) were vaccinated and 162 (56.4%) were not. During the study period vaccination increased from 31% to 58% of the cohort. Vaccinated cohort was of younger age, had coital sex in younger age (RR=0.75; 95% CI 0.58-0.98, p=0.040) and their partners were younger too. More of the vaccinated group had higher level of education (p=0.047), were not religiously oriented (p=0.022) and their mothers had higher education (RR=1.57; 95% CI 1.00-2.47, p=0.032) compared to the non-vaccinated. More of the non-vaccinated group had coital sex (RR=0.040; 95% CI 0.58-0.98, p=0.040). No differences were found between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated group on attitude to sex and relationships. More young women on the vaccinated group believed that vaccination should be done early (p=<0.001), that is a prerequisite for the initiation of coital sex (RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.07-1.82, p= <0.001) and that it created an opportunity to discuss Powered by Editorial Manager® and ProduXion Manager® from Aries Systems Corporation sexual issues with their mothers (p=0.015). Conclusion: Young women that are vaccinated start sex earlier but do so after being vaccinated and show a more responsible attitude towards sex and prevention. The vaccinated group was guided by family, discussed sex with their mothers and asked for medical advice on relevant matters.

Reduced melanocortin production causes sexual dysfunction in male mice with POMC neuronal insulin and leptin insensitivity.

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides like α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) substantially improve hepatic insulin sensitivity and regulate energy expenditure. Melanocortinergic agents are also powerful inducers of sexual arousal that are being investigated for a possible therapeutic role in erectile dysfunction. It is currently unclear whether reduced melanocortin (MC) activity may contribute to the sexual dysfunction accompanying obesity and type 2 diabetes. Male rodents with leptin and insulin resistance targeted to POMC neurons (leptin receptor [LepR]/insulin receptor [IR]POMC mice) exhibit obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and systemic insulin resistance. In this study, we demonstrate that LepR/IRPOMC males are also subfertile due to dramatic alterations in sexual behavior. Remarkably, these reproductive changes are accompanied by decreased α-MSH production not present when a single receptor type is deleted. Unexpectedly, behavioral sensitivity to α-MSH and MC receptor expression are also reduced in LepR/IRPOMC males, a potential adaptation of the MC system to altered α-MSH production. Together, these results suggest that concurrent insulin and leptin resistance in POMC neurons in individuals with obesity or type 2 diabetes can reduce endogenous α-MSH levels and impair sexual function.

Prevention of metabolic disorders and reproductive performance deficits by the blockade of Angiotensin II AT1 receptor in female rats fed with cafeteria diet

Besides the well-known detrimental effects of obesity on cardiovascular and metabolic function, studies have shown that obesity is also associated with impaired reproductive function in women. Alterations in Angiotensin II (Ang II) have been associated with obesity and with female reproduction. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the reproductive and metabolic effects of Ang II AT1 receptor blockade with losartan in an animal model of obesity, in which female rats were offered a palatable, high calorie diet from weaning to adulthood. Sexual behavior, ovulation rates and preovulatory levels of the hormones estradiol, progesterone, LH and prolactin were analyzed. Retroperitoneal and perigonadal fat pads, triglycerides and cholesterol (total, HDL and LDL), and insulin resistance were analyzed. Losartan prevented increases in fat pad storage, insulin resistance, as well as triglycerides and LDL levels induced by cafeteria diet intake. Losartan also prevented ovulatory deficits and loss of preovulatory surges of progesterone and LH in cafeteria-fed female rats probably through the prevention of the increase in body weight and body fat. No alterations in sexual behavior were observed. These results suggest, for the first time, that Ang II contributes to the development of the deleterious effects of obesity on preovulatory surges of LH and progesterone and on the reduction of ovulation in obese female rats.

Prolactin receptors and signal pathways in the rat prostate following the increase of systemic prolactin

The prostate is a sexual gland in charge of semen production. Several hormones regulate its function, such as prolactin (PRL) that modulates the density of prolactin receptors, and promote the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of the prostatic epithelial cells. Systemic elevation of PRL induces the increase of the epithelial height and alveolus, and pathologies as dysplasia or neoplasia; and alterations of sexual behavior. Notwithstanding, it is still unknown whether short periods of systemic PRL increase have some effects on the expression of PRL messenger or signal pathways. Thus, in this work we evaluated the effect induced by short periods of PRL elevation in sexually expert male rats. Wistar males were used. PRL elevation was induced by an adenohypophysis transplant to the renal capsule or by the intramuscular injection of 50 μg of PRL (one injection every 12 h) for 15 days. The ventral prostate was obtained and submitted to analyze the expression of the short and long PRL receptor mRNA, and the density of the signal pathways STAT 3, STAT 5, and Mapk. Results showed that the transplant decreased the long PRL receptor mRNA and increased in the short one; also, it increased the three signal pathways. The injections of PRL increased the expression of both the short and long receptor messenger; and no signal pathway was modified. As expected, no treatment altered the sexual behavior. Hence, the increase of PRL induced modifications in the expression of PRL receptor messenger as well as signal pathways. It suggests that the changes are a direct response of the hormone and not as a consequence of the quality in the execution of sexual behavior. Results suggest that the morphological changes seen in the prostate tissue are directly related to the alteration in the receptor expression and the constant activation of signal pathways. Supported by CONACyT‐Mexico grant 106531 to MEH.

Alterations of sexual behavior and plasma concentrations of pituitary/gonadal hormones after early-life exposure of mice to cypermethrin

Early-life environmental exposure to pesticides can cause reproductive, behavioral, and neurochemical defects in adulthood. Cypermethrin is a pyrethroid widely used throughout the world. Our study was aimed at elucidation of the effects of early-life exposure to cypermethrin on sexual behavior and plasma levels of pituitary/gonadal hormones in adult male mice. Cypermethrin in doses of 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg was i.p. administered to male pups from the 5nd to 10th postnatal day (PND). At PND 70, sexual behavioral phenomena (sniffing, following, mounting, and coupling) of adult male mice were tested using receptive female mice. After behavioral assessment, the animals were sacrificed, and plasma concentrations of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured using the ELISA technique. Our results showed that cypermethrin-treated groups exhibited significantly suppressed sexual behavior (all assessed manifestations) and noticeably lower serum concentrations of testosterone and LH, when compared with the control group. The FSH level underwent insignificant changes.

English

In order to evaluate the effects of methamphetamine on sexual behavior of fish, saltwater-acclimatized male sailfin molly&nbsp;Poecilia latipinna&nbsp;L. (Pisces) adults were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, 1 mg/L methamphetamine (MA) concentrations and were observed for alterations in sexual behavior at 2nd, 5th or 7th exposure days. The overall changes displayed by the subjected fish included different acute and chronic responses. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Methamphetamine (N,&alpha;-dimethylphenethylamine), fish, sexual behavior, male.

Sexual Health of Dutch Medical Students: Nothing to Worry about

Little is known about the sexual lives and development of medical students because of relatively small sample sizes and, in particular, low response rates in research. Enhancing medical students' awareness and understanding of sexual behavior is imperative, as gaps in knowledge might impede effective sexual health consultations in their later professional practice. The aim of this study was to provide insight into the sexual lives and development of medical students. The main outcome measures of this study are demographic, contextual, and sexual data based on validated surveys. Preclinical medical students aged under 26 years were approached during scheduled classes and by e-mail to complete a web-based questionnaire. Our results were compared with international and Dutch normative data. Ordinal regression analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis were used to assess relationships between variables. A total of 1,598 questionnaires were returned (response rate 52%: 1,198 by women, 400 by men). There were 719 first-year students (mean age 19.17 years) and 879 third-year students (mean age 21.5 years). Gender distribution differences were seen in all the cohorts and were corrected for. Compared with international and Dutch (88%) normative data, our first- (62.7%; P<0.001) and third-year (79.9%; P=0.018) medical students had less sexual experience and showed different advancements in sexual behavior. However, these differences decreased, which suggests that medical students "catch-up" as their age increases. Sexual behavior in our sample did not differ from international data, except for a strikingly high sexual satisfaction (80%). We also confirmed that social and environmental characteristics change with alterations in sexual behavior. Although contraceptive measures were used more frequently (98%; P=0.006), sexually transmitted diseases were more common (4.6%; P=0.008), which suggests inappropriate use of protective measures. Independent predictive determinants for protective sexual behavior were the form of relationship (P<0.001; OR=1.97) and sexual orientation (P=0.009; odds ratio=2.26). These data provide insight into the sexuality of medical students. The results of this study reliably clarify previous findings and form a solid basis for further research.

Pubertal development and sexuality in female adolescents born preterm: a review of the literature

Premature infants, especially very low birth weight infants, and fetal growth restriction are a challenge for healthcare professionals alike owing to the consequences of these conditions. To provide information for gynecologists, pediatricians and neonatologists to identify correct outcome expectations to help them plan their preventive and therapeutic actions. Searches were made on the MEDLINE database. According to several follow-up studies, there is an increasing evidence for a link between early life exposures (prenatal and postnatal) and long-term outcomes. An adverse in utero environment will induce fetal reprogramming of neuroendocrine axes with permanent alterations of the physiology and metabolism of various body structures and functioning of neuroendocrine axes in later life, leading to a variety of different conditions, such as persistence of neurodevelopmental disability, changes in growth pattern, in body metabolism, in pubertal development, lower educational achievement and even psychological disturbances with possible alterations of sexual behavior in female adolescents and young adults. In addition, short-term transitory consequences can be also present, such as anomalies in genital appearance. Outcome studies on the impact that prematurity, low birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction have on pubertal development, sexuality and fertility are still scarce. Long-term outcomes of small for gestational age or preterm adolescents are complex and multifactorial, with interactions between genetic and environmental influences involving different pathways of adaptive responses during crucial phases of prenatal growth.

Internet Pornography and Frontotemporal Dementia

Back to table of contents Previous article Next article LettersFull AccessInternet Pornography and Frontotemporal DementiaMario F. Mendez, M.D., Ph.D., and Jill S. Shapira, R.N., Ph.D.Mario F. MendezSearch for more papers by this author, M.D., Ph.D., and Jill S. ShapiraSearch for more papers by this author, R.N., Ph.D.Published Online:1 Apr 2011AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail To the Editor: There are relatively few reports on the sexual behavior of patients with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), despite their disinhibited, impulsive, and compulsive behavior.1–3 We report on a patient with FTD who manifested an intractable addiction to Internet pornography. We illustrates the potential appeal of this medium for sexual addiction in brain disease and suggest mechanisms for this behavior.Case ReportA 55-year-old, college-educated man had a 2-year history of a pronounced preoccupation with internet pornography. The patient needed to seek and view pornography throughout the day and even on a laptop while sitting in restaurants and other public places. In addition, he developed frequent masturbation. He had other personality changes. He had decreased goal-directed activities and verbal output. He had flatulence, eructation, and urination in public without excusing himself or showing embarrassment. He constantly ate sweets, gaining 100 lbs. In 1 year, and his self-care declined; he tended to wear the same clothes every day. The patient became emotionally disengaged; for instance, he failed to inquire about his father dying from cancer. When confronted with his behavior, he denied any changes in his personality. He had otherwise negative past medical and family histories except for late dementia in a grandmother. On examination, his Mini-Mental State Exam score was 27/30. His language was sparse but fluent. His 10-minute delayed recall was only 1/10 words; however, his memory for current events was intact even for details. The patient could do visuospatial constructions but failed Luria alternating programs and was concrete on proverb interpretations. The rest of his examination revealed intact cranial nerve, sensorimotor, and reflex testing. MRI was unremarkable, but positron emission tomography showed frontal and anterior temporal hypometabolism, right worse than left. This patient met criteria for FTD. He received escitalopram, a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI), with a modest decrease in his viewing of pornography.DiscussionThis patient had hypersexuality because of FTD. He had all the core features of that disorder, including abnormal interpersonal behavior, disinhibition, loss of empathy, decreased insight, dietary changes, and compulsive behaviors.1,2 There are also alterations in sexual behavior in FTD, but a reduction in sexual drive and behavior is much more common than instances of hypersexuality.2,3 Increased sexual behavior in FTD may result from compulsive disinhibition, rather than an increase in libido.4 Frontal lobe disorders can produce a generalized disinhibition, evident in this patient's other disinhibited acts, and compulsive tendencies can facilitate this disinhibition. In some FTD patients, hypersexual behavior can diminish with the treatment of compulsive behavior with SSRI medications.5 This patient's reward-seeking behavior further resembles an addiction in its continuation despite potentially adverse consequences. This sexual addiction may be particularly facilitated by the ready access and availability of Internet pornography. In sum, a new preoccupation for Internet pornography can be a symptom of a frontally predominant disorder such as FTD. The mechanism for this behavior likely involves disinhibited, impulsive behavior, facilitated by the compulsive tendencies and lack of concern for consequences that are part of FTD.Depts. of Neurology and Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences David Geffen School of Medicine The University of California at Los Angeles V.A. Greater Los Angeles Healthcare Center1. Neary D , Snowden JS , Gustafson L , et al.: Frontotemporal lobar degeneration: a consensus on clinical diagnostic criteria. Neurology 1998; 51:1546–1554Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar2. Mendez MF , Lauterbach EC , Sampson SM Committee on Research: An Evidence-Based Review of the Psychopathology of Frontotemporal Dementia: A Report of the ANPA Committee on Research. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci 2008; 20:130–149Link, Google Scholar3. Miller BL , Darby AL , Swartz JR , et al.: Dietary changes, compulsions, and sexual behavior in frontotemporal degeneration. Dementia 1995; 6:195–199Medline, Google Scholar4. Baird AD , Wilson SJ , Bladin PF , et al.: Neurological control of human sexual behaviour: insights from lesions studies. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2007; 78:1042–1049Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar5. Anneser JM , Jox RJ , Borasio GD : Inappropriate sexual behaviour in a case of ALS and FTD: successful treatment with sertraline. Amyotroph Lateral Scler 2007; 8:189–190Crossref, Medline, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesCited byDetailsCited byBehavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia and Social and Criminal TransgressionsMario F. Mendez, M.D., Ph.D.21 March 2022 | The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, Vol. 34, No. 4Hypothalamic symptoms of frontotemporal dementia disordersFrontotemporal Dementia2 November 2016 Volume 23Issue 2 Spring 2011Pages E3-E3 Metrics PDF download History Published online 1 April 2011 Published in print 1 April 2011

Naltrexone effects on male sexual behavior, corticosterone, and testosterone in stressed male rats

Chronic physical or psychological stress disrupts male reproductive function. Studies in our laboratory have shown that stress by immersion in cold water (ICW) and by electrical foot shocks (EFS) has inhibitory effects on male sexual behavior; these effects do not seem to be mediated by an increase in corticosterone, nor by a decrease in testosterone. On the other hand, it is known that endogenous opioids are released in the brain in response to these same stressors; consequently, they could be participating in the impairment of sexual behavior, as well as in the changes in corticosterone and testosterone caused by stress. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (NTX) on male sexual behavior, corticosterone, and testosterone in both stressed sexually experienced and naive male rats. Sexually experienced adult male rats were assigned to one of the following groups ( n = 10 each): 1) control group, males without sexual evaluation; 2) control group, rats injected ip with saline, non-stressed; 3) control group, rats injected with NTX (3 mg/kg) non-stressed; 4) rats injected ip with saline, and stressed by EFS; 5) rats injected ip with NTX (1.5 mg/kg) and stressed by EFS; 6) rats injected ip with saline and stressed by ICW; 7) rats injected ip with NTX (1.5 mg/kg) and stressed by ICW; 8) rats injected ip with NTX (3 mg/kg) and stressed by ICW. Naive males were assigned to the same control groups but only stressed by ICW and the NTX dose used was 3 mg/kg. Injections were given 30 min before stress sessions. Stress was applied on 20 consecutive days. Male sexual behavior was assessed 15 min after EFS or 30 min after ICW, on days 1, 4, 8, 12, 15, and 20. Trunk blood was collected at the end of the experiments on day 20 of stress. Corticosterone and testosterone were evaluated by HPLC. Mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies were longer in control saline naive males compared to control saline sexually experienced males on the first day. NTX administration to control naive males caused a decrease in mount, intromission, and ejaculation latencies, as well as an increase in ejaculatory frequency/30 min, compared to control-saline only on day 1. Stressed naive males showed higher mount, intromission and ejaculation latencies, compared to control and stressed sexually experienced males, as well as comparable increase in corticosterone and decrease in testosterone plasma levels. NTX administration before exposure to stress prevented the modifications caused by stress in sexual parameters. Sexual behavior in control sexually-active males injected with saline or NTX was not modified. Saline stressed males showed the previously reported alterations in sexual behavior, as well as an increase in corticosterone and a decrease in testosterone plasma levels. Stressed males injected with NTX before exposure to stress showed no alterations in male sexual behavior. NTX in control non-stressed males did not modify corticosterone plasma levels, but did cause a significant increase in plasma testosterone. The increase in corticosterone and the decrease in testosterone due to stress, were attenuated with the opioid antagonist, both in naive and sexually experienced males. Prevention of ICW stress effects was more effective with higher doses of NTX (3 mg/kg). These data suggest that endogenous opioids could be participating in the effects caused by stress on male sexual behavior, corticosterone, and testosterone.

Hypothalamic involvement in Huntington's disease: an in vivo PET study

Recent studies have shown alterations in metabolism, sleep and circadian rhythms as well as in several neuropeptides derived from the hypothalamic-pituitary axis in Huntington's disease patients; however, the pathology underlying these abnormalities is not known. Our aim was to assess in vivo D(2) receptor's loss/dysfunction and increases in microglial activation in the hypothalamus of symptomatic Huntington's disease patients and premanifest Huntington's disease gene carriers using PET with (11)C-raclopride (RAC), a specific D(2) receptor ligand and (11)C-(R)-PK11195 (PK), a marker of microglial activation. We have studied 9 symptomatic Huntington's disease patients (age = 46.8 +/- 4.7 years; mean +/- SD) and 10 premanifest Huntington's disease gene carriers (age = 41.9 +/- 8.2 years; mean +/- SD). RAC and PK findings for these subjects were compared with those of a group of normal controls (RAC, n = 9; PK, n = 10). In the symptomatic Huntington's disease group, we found a significant decrease (P = 0.0012) in mean hypothalamic RAC binding potential (BP) and a significant increase in mean hypothalamic PK BP (P = 0.0008). Similarly, a significant decrease (P = 0.0143) in mean hypothalamic RAC BP and a significant increase in mean hypothalamic PK BP (P = 0.0057) were observed in the premanifest Huntington's disease group. Hypothalamic RAC and PK BP values correlated with each other in combined Huntington's disease groups (r = -0.6180, P = 0.0048) but not with striatal RAC and PK BP values. Our data demonstrate, for the first time, significant D(2) receptor loss and microglia activation in the hypothalamus of Huntington's disease. These pathological changes occur very early in the course of the disease and may partly explain the development of commonly reported symptoms in Huntington's disease including progressive weight loss, alterations in sexual behaviour and disturbances in the wake-sleep cycle.

Comparative Analysis of Immunoreactive Cells for Androgen Receptors and Oestrogen Receptor α in Copulating and Non‐Copulating Male Rats

In some species, including gerbils, guinea pigs, mice, rams and rats, some apparently normal males fail to mate. These kinds of animals have been named 'noncopulating (NC)'. The cause of this behavioural deficit is unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether NC male rats have alterations in the amount of androgen (AR) and oestrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) in a neuronal circuit important for the control of male sexual behaviour; the vomeronasal projection pathway. We evaluated the number of AR and ERalpha immunoreactive (AR-IR and ERalpha-IR) cells in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the anterior-dorsal medial amygdala (MeAD), the posterior dorsal amygdala (MePD) and the medial preoptic area (MPOA). The results demonstrate that the number of AR-IR cells in NC males was significantly higher compared to copulating (C) males in the MePD, but no significant differences were found in any of the other structures analysed. ERalpha-IR cells were more abundant in NC than in C males in the MeAD and the MePD. However, in the MPOA the number of ERalpha-IR cells was significantly reduced in NC males. No significant differences were found in the AOB or in the BNST. A similar pattern of results was observed when regions within these structures that are activated by Fos expression, on mating or exposure to sexually relevant cues were analysed. The differences in the number of AR and ER in particular brain areas could be associated with alterations in sexual behaviour as well as partner and olfactory preference for receptive females seen in NC male rats.

Impact of drug treatment on subsequent sexual risk behavior in a multisite cohort of drug-using women: A report from the Women's Interagency HIV Study

Background The evidence that drug treatment programs are associated with changes in sexual behavior and, thus, have prevention benefits beyond addiction is inconclusive. We examined whether entry into drug treatment was associated with subsequent alterations in sexual behavior among a group of drug-using women. Methods Data were collected semiannually via structured interviews over 8 years. Generalized estimating equations evaluated the relationship between self-reported drug treatment at each visit and sexual abstinence and consistent condom use in the subsequent 6-month period. Results In this sample ( N = 1,658; mean age, 37.3 years; 57.5% African American; 80.3% HIV positive; 49.6% crack/cocaine users), 40% reported being in a variety of drug treatment programs. Those undergoing drug treatment (vs. those not) were less likely to become sexually active (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.91); this association was unchanged when the frequency of attendance and number of different drug treatment programs were evaluated. Drug treatment was not associated with subsequent consistent condom, regardless of frequency of attendance, but involvement in at least three treatment programs was (AOR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.00–1.97). Conclusions Additional efforts are needed to integrate effective sexual risk reduction programs into drug treatment settings; expanding access to different types of drug treatment modalities may be indicated.

Enhanced Sexual Behaviors and Androgen Receptor Immunoreactivity in the Male Progesterone Receptor Knockout Mouse

Reproductive and behavioral functions of progesterone receptors (PRs) in males were assessed by examining consequences of PR gene deletion. Basal hormone levels were measured in male progesterone receptor knockout (PRKO) mice and compared to wild-type (WT) counterparts. RIA of serum LH, testosterone, and progesterone levels revealed no significant differences. Levels of FSH were moderately but significantly lower and inhibin levels were higher in PRKOs; these differences were not accompanied by gross differences in testicular weight or morphology. PRKOs exhibited significant alterations in sexual behavior. In initial tests PRKOs exhibited reduced latency to mount, compared with WT. In second sessions, PRKOs again showed a significantly reduced latency to mount and increased likelihood of achieving ejaculation. RU486 treatment in WT produced increased mount and intromission frequency and decreased latency to intromission. In anxiety-related behavior tests, PRKO mice exhibited intermediate anxiety levels, compared with WT, suggesting that enhanced sexual behavior in PRKOs is not secondary to reduced anxiety. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly enhanced androgen receptor expression in the medial preoptic nucleus and bed nucleus of the stria terminalis of PRKO. We conclude that testicular development and function and homeostatic regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary testicular axis are altered to a lesser extent by PR gene deletion. In contrast, PR appears to play a substantial role in inhibiting the anticipatory/motivational components of male sexual behavior in the mouse. The biological significance of this inhibitory mechanism and the extent to which it is mediated by reduced androgen receptor expression remain to be clarified.

Classics in Epilepsy and Behavior: Commentary

The article by Waxman and Geschwind [1] may be described as a classic, but it is also emblematic of a marked change in the history of neurology and psychiatry. They were describing a chronic personality change seen in people with epilepsy that was attributed to neurological dysfunction in the temporal lobes. It must be remembered that when this article was published, the prevailing view was that any psychopathology associated with epilepsy was secondary to the consequences of the disorder, rather than integral to the epilepsy itself. This was largely a result of the important contributions of William and Margaret Lennox (1960), who stated broadly that head injuries, sedative antiepileptic drugs, and social stigma were the problems that people with epilepsy suffered and that, if seizures could be controlled, the psychiatric problems would resolve [2]. The idea that alteration of function of the temporal lobes could lead to an organically induced personality change was quite alien to that generation. Why it was is difficult to fathom. By then, it was well established that patients could present with one of a variety of frontal lobe syndromes, which were essentially behavior changes brought about by altered function of the frontal cortex and its connections. Further, MacLean (1958) and others had shown that the limbic system was not simply a rhinencephalon, related to smell and not of great use to Homo sapiens, but was linked to several brain structures that formed circuits for the modulation of emotions [3]. Indeed, some neurological texts would have been bold enough to acknowledge such syndromes, although the term Kluver–Bucy syndrome was still largely recondite. Neurology and psychiatry were divided by the chasm of metaphysics with its ever-flowing cartesian stream, and there seemed no easy way to harmonize the two at that time. Then along came Norman Geschwind and his followers. He gave us the term behavioral neurology, essentially an offshoot of 19th-century neuropsychiatry, a world he reintroduced us to. Thus, he was familiar with the elegant and extensive writings of the French and German neuropsychiatrists of that time, leading him to write another classic, his article on disconnection syndromes [4,5]. This was an attack on modular thinking in neurology, an introduction to connectivity and circuits as explanations for behavioral changes, and an extension of neurological practice into the territory of psychiatry—aberrant behavior caused by neurological disease. However, the article on hypergraphia pushed the concept much further, as it touched on behaviors not usually discussed in neurological circles, for example, religiosity. The characteristics of Gastaut–Geschwind syndrome are now very well known, and yet there are many neurologists, even epileptologists, who find it hard to see the specimen when it flutters before them. They include such symptoms as alterations in sexual behavior, irritability, and viscosity, the last being a tendency toward slow, labored thinking, as if thoughts are emerging from treacle. This sometimes is revealed as circumstantiality, to quote the psychopathologist Frank Fish: Here thinking proceeds slowly with many unnecessary trivial details but the point is finally reached. The goal of thought is never completely lost and thinking proceeds towards it by an intricate and devious path. This disorder has been explained as the result of a weakness of judgement and egocentricity. It is an outstanding feature of the epileptic personality [6].

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.

Sexuality, sexual behaviour and pregnancy

This paper reviews the available literature which comments upon the possible impact of pregnancy on sexuality and sexual behaviour patterns, particularly the ways in which these adapt and alter. It highlights the shortcomings of the studies' construction and execution, and explores the unproven assumptions, made by the researchers, which underpin the studies. It is argued that further research needs to be undertaken which not only investigates alterations in sexual behaviour during pregnancy, but also explores changes that occur across the lifespan. There is little or no normative data against which to compare changes apparently perceived as resulting from pregnancy and, therefore, such deviations from previous patterns of behaviour may be being erroneously attributed to pregnancy itself. Additionally, it is suggested that the emphasis of the research which, has in the past, attempted to define what is normal, should adopt a more open and exploratory attitude to gain a broader picture of adaptations in sexual behaviour and their origins.

A peptidergic basis for sexual behavior in mammals

Vasopressin (VP) is a peptide neurotransmitter in the limbic system of rats. It is synthesized in the medial amygdaloid nucleus in the presence of sex steroids, transported to other limbic structures such as the hippocampus and septum and secreted there by a calcium-dependent process. In the hippocampus, VP acts on cerebral microvessels and local circuit interneurons. Its excitatory action on the inhibitory interneurons produces near-total shutdown of electrical activity of the efferent fibers of pyramidal cells, the projection neurons of the hippocampus. Stimulation of the medial amygdala and release of the endogenous VP duplicates these effects and, since they are blocked by ventricular application of a VP antagonist, the effects are almost certainly mediated by endogenous VP. Recording from the VP-containing cell bodies or of the hippocampal action of the peptide indicates that the system is selectively involved with the early stages of sexual behavior, specifically those appetitive behaviors that anticipate coitus. Stimulation of the VP cells produces alterations in sexual behavior in a manner consistent with the hypothesis that the medial amygdala organizes the appetitive phase of recognition of an appropriate partner and sexual arousal. This role for the medial amygdala complements the proposed role of nearby structures in the consummatory, reward and learned aspects of sexual behavior. Association between VP, oxytocin (OT) and homologs with sexual behavior is very widespread among vertebrates, including amphibians, reptiles, primates and humans. Humans and other primates display a phenomenon called 'concealed ovulation' that may have played a role in the evolution of social structures. The review concludes with a discussion of possible experimental strategies for evaluating the possible role of VP in concealed ovulation and other conditions in which sexual behavior occurs outside of estrus.