Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


ucin1153327766.pdf (3.44 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Role of Endogenous Opioid Peptides in the Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior

Davis, Brooke A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1153327766

Abstract Details

2006, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Medicine : Neuroscience/Medical Science Scholars Interdisiplinary.
Opioid peptides have long been known to have regulatory effects on sexual behavior. Endogenous opioids affect reproductive function in both men and women, and the effects of exogenous opioid use are often described in sexual terms as an “orgasmiclike” euphoria. Moreover, long-term opioid use results in a deterioration of sexual function. Studies have shown similar regulatory effects on sexual behavior in rodent models, in which opioids facilitate sexual motivation and inhibit sexual performance. Of the three opioid receptors (mu, delta, and kappa), anatomical, gene manipulation, and pharmacological evidence show mu opioid receptors to be the most likely involved in the regulation of sexual behavior. The goal of this dissertation was to elucidate the role of endogenous opioid peptides in the regulation of male sexual behavior by addressing the following three specific aims. Specific aim 1 addressed when and where endogenous opioid peptides act during sexual behavior. This aim was investigated by examining in which brain regions mating-induced mu opioid receptor activation occurs and during which component of sexual behavior it occurs. Specific aim 2 addressed what the behavioral significance of mu opioid receptor activation is. The medial parvocellular Subparafascicular thalamic nucleus was the brain region chosen for examination of this aim. This region is part of the spinothalamic pathway important for the processing of sensory signals related to ejaculation. Sexual behavior was observed following pharmacological mu opioid receptor activation in the medial parvocellular Subparafascicular thalamic nucleus. Specific Aim 3 addresses which endogenous opioid peptide(s) is acting during male sexual behavior. Although three known ligands exist for mu opioid receptors, we chose to begin investigation of this aim by examining beta-endorphin. Activation of beta-endorphin neurons following various components of sexual behavior was analyzed. In addition, sexual behavior of beta-endorphin knockout mice was examined to determine any deficits due to the absence of beta-endorphin. Together, the data within this dissertation help to further our understanding of how endogenous opioid peptides are involved in the regulation of male sexual behavior.
Dr. Lique Coolen (Advisor)
183 p.
Biology, Neuroscience
mu opioid receptor; beta-endorphin; sex; rat

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Davis, B. A. (2006). The Role of Endogenous Opioid Peptides in the Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1153327766

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Davis, Brooke. The Role of Endogenous Opioid Peptides in the Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior. 2006. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1153327766.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Davis, Brooke. "The Role of Endogenous Opioid Peptides in the Regulation of Male Sexual Behavior." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1153327766

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1153327766
1,387
© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.