Serotonin and sexual behavior in the male rabbit

Summary.

Sexual behavior was evaluated in sexually experienced male rabbits after the administration of different serotonergic drugs. The serotonin_1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT, 1 mg/kg, inhibited male rabbit sexual behavior when animals were tested 15 min after subcutaneous (SC) administration of this compound. Lower doses, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, were ineffective at a test 30 min after drug injection. Furthermore, 8-OH-DPAT, 0.25 mg/kg, failed to revert the inhibitory effects upon sexual behavior produced by lidocaine application to the rabbit penis. Stimulation of 5-HT_1B/2C receptors by TFMPP, at doses between 0.625 and 2.5 mg/kg, produced a drastic inhibition of sexual behavior when the drug was administered SC 30 min before behavioral observation. Doses below 5 mg/kg were ineffective when given intraperitoneally 15 min before test. When the 5-HT_1D/2C receptors were stimulated by the agonist mCPP a reduced number of mounts and ejaculations was observed after the SC administration of 1.25 and 2.5 mg/kg. Similarly, the mixed 5-HT agonist/antagonist lisuride reduced the percentage of rabbits displaying mounting behavior at doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg SC. All compounds tested produced a clear inhibition of male rabbit sexual behavior independently of the receptor subtype activated. These results are at variance with previous observations in rats where 8-OH-DPAT and lisuride produced a drastic facilitation of masculine coital behavior. Moreover, while the inhibition of male sexual behavior in rats produced by TFMPP and mCPP is associated with a disruption of the execution of this behavior, in rabbits these compounds reduced sexual motivation. These results indicate that the effects of serotonergic drugs on sexual behavior are species specific.