Serotonin and sexual behavior

Abstract

The widespread serotonergic system in the central nervous system and spinal cord is equipped with one neurotransmitter, 14 different serotonin receptors, and a transporter. The serotonergic system is involved in practically all behavioral and physiological functions, including sexual behavior. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) plays a modulatory role in both male and female sexual behavior and 5-HT1A and 5-HT2 receptors appear most clearly involved in modulating sexual activity. In general, activation of the serotonergic system decreases sexual behavior, while inhibition increases it. Selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have inhibitory sexual side effects in both humans and rodents. SSRIs are first choice antidepressants and provide an interesting translational tool to better understand the role of the 5-HT system in healthy and disease conditions such as in major depression. Although available data do not indicate a large serotonergic role in sexual behavior under basal conditions, under stressed or depressed conditions it might play an important role.