Modulation by peripheral serotonin of the threshold for sexual reflexes in female rats.
Using immunohistochemical techniques, a large number of serotonergic paracrine cells were identified in the urethral mucosa of the female rat. The functional significance of these cells was investigated. A model for the study of sexual climax in the anesthetized, acutely spinalized female rat was used. In this model, distension of the urethra with saline elicits a stereotyped coordinated genital response which closely resembles the neuromuscular concomitants of sexual climax. Addition of serotonin to the urethral perfusate (10(-4)-10(-7) M) caused a dose-dependent decrease in the mechanical threshold necessary to elicit the climax-like response. This effect was blocked by a specific 5-HT3 receptor antagonist. The physiological implications of these findings are discussed.
McKenna
K E
KE
Department of Physiology, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611.
Knight
K C
KC
Mayers
R
R
D000818:Animals; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D007211:Indoles / Q000494:pharmacology; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D012018:Reflex / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012701:Serotonin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D000077526:Tropisetron; D014521:Urethra / Q000502:physiology
D007211:Indoles; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D012701:Serotonin; D000077526:Tropisetron