Hypothalmic digoxin, cerebral dominance, and sexual orientation.
The human hypothalamus produces an endogenous membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibitor, digoxin. Membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase inhibition leads to increase in intracellular calcium and upregulated nitric oxide synthesis. In homosexuals, promiscuous heterosexuals, and bisexuals there was increased digoxin synthesis, reduced membrane Na(+)-K(+) ATPase activity, increased nitric oxide levels, increased tryptophan catabolites, and reduced tyrosine catabolites. This pattern correlated with that obtained in right hemispheric chemical dominance. In nonpromiscuous heterosexuals and left hemispheric chemical dominance there was hypodigoxinemia and the reverse biochemical patterns. Hemispheric dominance and hypothalamic digoxin could regulate sexual orientation. This has to be viewed in the setting of hyperdigoxinemia reported in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
Kurup
R K
RK
Department of Neurology, Medical College Hospital, Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
Kurup
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D004077:Digoxin / Q000378:metabolism*; D004292:Dominance, Cerebral; D006801:Humans; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases / Q000378:metabolism; D007031:Hypothalamus / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase / Q000378:metabolism
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D004077:Digoxin; D006903:Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases; D000254:Sodium-Potassium-Exchanging ATPase