Regular paper
Sexual behavior decreases pain sensitivity and stimulates endogenous opioids in male rats

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Abstract

In male rats copulation has antinociceptive effects as measured either by shock-induced vocalizations or hindlimb withdrawal to pinch. Prolonged mating reduces the content of endogenous opioids in midbrain but not in hypothamlamus or caudate nucleus. Blockage of opiate receptors with the narcotic antagonist naloxone (4 mg/kg) significantly extends the postejaculatory interval. The results indicate that mating is a biological stimulus for the release of endogenous opioids, possibly to (a) prevent intense sexual stimulation from becoming aversive, and (b) increase its reward value.

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      Copulation is associated with the release of two chemical messengers within the MSL circuit: dopamine (DA) and endogenous opioids. As to DA, there is extensive evidence showing that, similar to other rewarding stimuli, copulation increases DA release in the NAcc [14–16] and endogenous opioids, which have been associated to the pleasurable experience provided by rewarding behaviours [17–19], are released in response to ejaculation [20–22]. Within the MSL circuit, ejaculation-induced endogenous opioid release has been clearly demonstrated to occur in the VTA, where they activate μ and δ opioid receptors ([12,23,24].

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