Correlation of dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens with masculine sexual behavior in rats.
Extracellular dopamine (DA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in the nucleus accumbens (N. Acc.) were measured by in vivo microdialysis during male sexual activity. DA and DOPAC were significantly increased during copulation, but not during mild tail pinch. These results are consistent with studies showing increases in N. Acc. DA associated with positively reinforcing environmental stimuli.
Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08903.
E T
ET
Pleim
J A
JA
Matochik
R J
RJ
Barfield
S B
SB
Auerbach
D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D003307:Copulation; D004298:Dopamine / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D012686:Septal Nuclei / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal
D015102:3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D004298:Dopamine