Abstract |
Melanocortins have been reported to play a role in the control of both male and female sexual behavior. The present study examined the effects of melanotan-II (MT-II), a cyclic peptide analogue of alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone on appetitive and consummatory aspects of female sexual behavior, including aspects of sexual proceptivity (solicitations, hops and darts, ear wiggling, pacing) and receptivity ( lordosis). One group of ovariectomized Long-Evans rats (n=7) was primed subcutaneously with estradiol benzoate (EB) and progesterone (P) (10 microg and 500 microg respectively) and another group (n=7) with EB (10 microg) and oil (EB alone). Paced mating tests were performed with sexually experienced males in unilevel chambers, which were bisected by a Plexiglas divider containing three holes, through which only the female could pass. MT-II (1 and 3 mg/kg) or saline was injected intravenously 10 min before each 30-min paced mating test. Each female received the 3 treatments. In females primed with EB+P both doses of MT-II increased the number of hops and darts and ear wiggling significantly, but did not alter pacing or lordosis. With EB alone, no effect of MT-II was observed on any of the parameters measured. These results suggest that P can interact with MT-II to increase proceptive behaviors. Because hops and darts are essentially solicitations, made in close proximity to the male, that indicate a desire on the part of females to receive mounts and intromissions, these data suggest that activation of melanocortin receptors may represent a promising mode of action for the treatment of women with hypoactive sexual desire.
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Authors | Anne-Sophie Rössler, James G Pfaus, Hossein Kami Kia, Jacques Bernabé, Laurent Alexandre, François Giuliano |
Journal | Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior
(Pharmacol Biochem Behav)
Vol. 85
Issue 3
Pg. 514-21
(Nov 2006)
ISSN: 0091-3057 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17113634
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Peptides, Cyclic
- melanotan-II
- Progesterone
- Estradiol
- alpha-MSH
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Topics |
- Animals
- Estradiol
(pharmacology)
- Female
- Male
- Peptides, Cyclic
(pharmacology)
- Posture
- Progesterone
(pharmacology)
- Rats
- Rats, Long-Evans
- Sexual Behavior, Animal
(drug effects)
- alpha-MSH
(analogs & derivatives, pharmacology)
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