Immunolesion of hindbrain catecholaminergic projections to the medial hypothalamus attenuates penile reflexive erections and alters hypothalamic peptide mRNA.
The central mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated impotence are currently unknown. This study utilized immunolesion techniques to eliminate hindbrain catecholaminergic projections to the medial hypothalamus which have been reported to be glucoresponsive. The immunolesioned male rats had an attenuated feeding response to glucoprivic challenge. Furthermore, these lesioned rats had significantly attenuated penile reflexes. Northern blot analyses of hypothalamic oxytocin mRNA expression showed a significant increase; however, neuropeptide Y mRNA expression did not. These results suggest that hindbrain catecholaminergic neurones may alter the expression of hypothalamic neuropeptides that stimulate penile erections based upon glucoregulatory signals from the periphery.
Fraley
G S
GS
Program in Neuroscience and Department of Veterinary and Comparative Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Pullman 99164-6520, USA. gsfraley@vetmed.wsu.edu
D000818:Animals; D000963:Antimetabolites / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000502:physiology*; D003847:Deoxyglucose / Q000494:pharmacology; D004435:Eating / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D007033:Hypothalamus, Middle / Q000502:physiology*; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D008297:Male; D009478:Neuropeptide Y / Q000235:genetics; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000235:genetics; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D012018:Reflex / Q000502:physiology*; D012249:Rhombencephalon / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D000963:Antimetabolites; D002395:Catecholamines; D009478:Neuropeptide Y; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D010121:Oxytocin; D003847:Deoxyglucose