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Specific Involvement of Central 5-HT1A Receptors in the Mediation of Male Rat Ejaculatory Behavior

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Abstract

The aminotetralin 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), pharmacologically characterized as a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, produces a pronounced decrease in ejaculation latency in the male rat. Stimulation of 5-HT receptors by a pharmacologically induced increase in the synaptic availability of 5-HT has been shown to produce the opposite effect. The 8-OH-DPAT-induced decrease in ejaculation latency is specific for this compound, and some chemically related ergot derivatives. In this paper we review the evidence in support for stimulation of serotonergic auto-receptors of the 5-HT1A receptor subtype as a mechanism of action for effects by 8-OH-DPAT on male rat ejaculatory behavior. We also present the questions posed by the fact that quinpirole and lisuride both produce 8-OH-DPAT-like effects on male rat ejaculatory behavior. The effects by quinpirole, lisuride or 8-OH-DPAT are not sensitive to pretreatment with the DA D2/3 receptor antagonist raclopride. Continued studies will show whether the effects of quinpirole and lisuride can be related to stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors, or if all these compounds have as yet undefined common properties.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, S-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden

    Sven Ahlenius

  2. Department of Psychology, Göteborg University, Haraldsgatan 1, S-413 14, Göteborg, Sweden

    Knut Larsson

Authors
  1. Sven Ahlenius
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  2. Knut Larsson
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Ahlenius, S., Larsson, K. Specific Involvement of Central 5-HT1A Receptors in the Mediation of Male Rat Ejaculatory Behavior. Neurochem Res 22, 1065–1070 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022443413745

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