Differences in sexual behaviour in male and female rodents: Role of serotonin

Abstract

Serotonin plays an important role in both male and female sexual behaviour. In general, reduction of 5-HT function facilitates, whereas enhancement inhibits sexual behaviour. Most fundamental research on the involvement of 5-HT in sex has been performed in rats. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have comparable effects on male and female sexual behaviour in rats; they inhibit it but only after chronic administration. Activation of the 5-HT1A receptor facilitates sexual behaviour in male rats but inhibits sexual behaviour in female rats, suggesting a differential role for 5-HT1A receptors in male and female rats. Research on sexual behaviour in rats with null mutations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) indicated also a differential role for 5-HT1A receptors in male and female sexual behaviour. Evidence exists that different pools of 5-HT1A receptors have differential roles in various parts of the cascade of sexual events occurring during sexual interactions. Roles for other 5-HT receptors are less well defined although 5-HT1B, 5-HT2A/B and 5-HT7 receptors seem to be involved. Identification of putative differential or comparable roles in female and male sexual activities requires more research. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.