title: The neurobiology of sexual function.
abstract: This article provides a review of the past and current literature on the neurobiology of sexual function. The influence of endocrine, neurotransmitter, and central nervous system influences on male and female sexual function are discussed for sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm or ejaculation stages of sexual responding. Endocrine factors reviewed include the following: androgens, estrogens, progesterone, prolactin, oxytocin, cortisol, and pheromones. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides discussed include nitric oxide, serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, opioids, acetylcholine, histamine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Central nervous system influences on sexual function are discussed briefly with reference to brainstem regions, the hypothalamus, and the forebrain.
authors.affiliation: University of Texas at Austin, Department of Psychology, Mezes Hall 330, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Meston
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Frohlich
mesh_terms: D000728:Androgens / Q000502:physiology; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000502:physiology; D004703:Endocrine System / Q000502:physiology; D004967:Estrogens / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000502:physiology; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000502:physiology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D009479:Neuropeptides; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents