Effects of ibotenic acid lesions of the nucleus accumbens on paced mating behavior in the female rat.
The present study investigated the role of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) in paced mating behavior in female rats. A sexually receptive female rat will approach and withdraw from a sexually active male, thereby controlling the timing of the receipt of sexual stimulation (e.g., mounts, intromissions, ejaculations). In this study, ibotenic acid lesions in the NAcc core increased the likelihood that a female rat would withdraw from a male rat after a mount but did not affect contact return latency or sexual receptivity. Ibotenic acid lesions in the NAcc shell did not affect paced mating behavior or sexual receptivity. The results suggest that the NAcc core plays a role in suppressing withdrawal behavior in response to less intense mating stimulation.
Guarraci
Fay A
FA
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA.
Megroz
Alison B
AB
Clark
Ann S
AS
D000818:Animals; D018690:Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D007051:Ibotenic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D009714:Nucleus Accumbens / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*
D018690:Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists; D007051:Ibotenic Acid