The effect of selective D1 and D2 dopaminergic agents on sexual receptivity in the female rat.
A number of dopaminergic drugs was tested for their effect on female sexual receptivity in ovariectomised plus adrenalectomised rats primed with oestradiol benzoate. The selective D1 agonist (SKF 38393 5-40 mg/kg) and D1 antagonist (SCH 23390 0.1-10 mg/kg) had no significant effect on sexual behaviour. The results of administration of mixed dopaminergic agents (DOPA, 10-50 mg/kg with benserazide or 100-200 mg/kg alone and haloperidol 0.01-1.0 mg/kg) and selective D2 dopaminergic agents (LY 171555 2.5-800 micrograms/kg, BHT 920 0.01-1.0 mg/kg and sulpiride 5-80 mg/kg) indicate that a central dopaminergic system has an inhibitory control on female sexual activity exerted through D2 receptors. Any stimulatory effects of the exogenous agonists were probably due to an action on presynaptic D2 receptors. The predominance of the D2 pre- and post-synaptic receptor activity appears to be influenced by the sexual receptivity of the animal.
Grierson
J P
JP
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London.
James
M D
MD
Pearson
J R
JR
Wilson
C A
CA
D000818:Animals; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004873:Ergolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000187:drug effects; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D019257:Quinpirole; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine / Q000187:drug effects*; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*
D004873:Ergolines; D011954:Receptors, Dopamine; D017447:Receptors, Dopamine D1; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D019257:Quinpirole; D004958:Estradiol; D004295:Dihydroxyphenylalanine; D011388:Prolactin